Ein Teil von Meadowland

I was just about to head down to the stable when I opened the front door — and froze. Sadie and Derek were standing close together on the terrace.

Sadie: “I’m going to miss you so much. And the ranch. And Gillian and Jamie. I wish I could just stay here.”

Derek: “You’ll see, the time will pass quickly. Then you’ll come back. We’ll talk every day.”

Oops. I quietly slipped back inside.

Gillian: “Did you know Sadie has a boyfriend? I was about to go outside and there she was — standing arm in arm with Derek.”

Jamie: “Of course I knew. Where do you think she’s been disappearing to all those weeks? All those rides to Silverglade Village… She’s just happy.”

I hadn’t taken much time for Sadie lately. There had been so much going on. And tomorrow she would already be leaving. I was angry with myself. Sadie had blossomed at Meadowland. She had found her confidence again. She no longer had to hide behind anger. She had fallen in love. And now she had to say goodbye — and face a pain I knew all too well. I found her sitting alone under the big tree and joined her.

Gillian: “Sadie, I’m sorry I didn’t spend more time with you. You’re such a strong girl. You’ve achieved so much. I’m proud of you. And you should know — Meadowland is your home now too. Come whenever you want. We’re here.”

Sadie: “It’s okay. I saw how busy things were. Jamie was always there for me. Don’t ever let him go — he’s amazing. I was scared to tell you about Derek. I didn’t know how you’d feel about it. I’m just… sad to leave all this behind.”

Later, I found Jamie mucking out the stalls.

Gillian: “Let’s organize something special for Sadie tonight. A little farewell party. We’ll invite Derek and a few others. She should know she’s part of Meadowland.”

Jamie: “That’s a wonderful idea. You know… it already feels a bit like a child moving out. I’m really going to miss her. I’ll plan something. You invite everyone.”

I called around and personally invited Derek in Silverglade Village.

Gillian: “Hi Derek, we’re throwing a small farewell party for Sadie tonight. You’re warmly invited.”

Derek: “Great idea, I’ll be there. By the way… am I allowed to call you mother-in-law now? You’re kind of her replacement mom here.”

The evening was beautiful. The surprise worked perfectly. Jamie had organized everything with so much care. And of course, he insisted on a dance with Sadie.

Jamie: “I’m sad you’re leaving. You’ve really grown close to my heart. You found yourself again — never lose that. And no matter what happens, call me.”

Sadie: “I wouldn’t have managed without you. Thank you, Jamie. I wish you were my father.”

That hit him hard. Later, when most guests had already left, only Sadie and Derek were still dancing to slow music. Jamie stood nearby, watching carefully.

Gillian: “Come on, Daddy. I’ll take you to bed. Let your girl say goodbye on her own. She’ll manage.”

Jamie: “I hope Derek knows I can show up anytime wearing a very threatening cat costume shirt. I’m going to miss her. Come on — before I get even more sentimental.”

The next morning we took Sadie to the ferry in Fort Pinta. Jamie was sniffling the whole time.

Gillian: “Honey, in eight weeks it’s school holidays. She’ll be back. And if you can’t stand it, you can always visit her in Hamburg.”

Sadie: “See you in eight weeks. I love you both!”

Derek: “Call me when you arrive. I think Jamie would also like a phone call — I just can’t understand him through all that sniffling. Have a good trip, Sadie.”

Then the ferry departed. And I drove a very sad Jamie back home