Reply To: The Searcher: Do you think Cal should stay?

I also agree that Cal should stay. If he were to list the pros and cons, there would be far more positives than negatives. If he left, where could he go that would give him the same sense of purpose? He’s made serious ties here with Trey, a person who needs him and will benefit from his support and protection. He’s not really needed anywhere else in the world more than he is here, and he’s enjoying his life in general (when he’s not getting beaten up and solving murders, that is). He has something to look forward to — helping Trey navigate into maturity; forging stronger friendship with Lena, perhaps; working on building a home that suits him, creative work that satisfies him — and of course, that puppy. Taking him on was a declaration of intent; a commitment to stay. The negatives are that he may still have to navigate murky areas of home-grown justice in the village, and could make dangerous enemies– but he would be up for that challenge, as he’s already proven. Another negative is that he is far from his daughter, but she seems to have found her own balance and is doing well; she doesn’t need him like Trey does at this point. I don’t think that Cal will be tiring of this life he’s chosen any time soon, and it may give him peace and satisfaction that he could find nowhere else.