Chapter 16
The North Pier agreement changed again.
Not through competition.
Through performance.
Warren’s six berths became ten because he ran them well.
Langley retained ownership.
Hayes management expanded.
Everyone complained less when results were measurable.
Funny.
Warren admitted:
“If you offered this three years ago, I would’ve rejected it.”
“I know.”
“Because I wanted the name on the pier.”
“Yes.”
“Now I mostly want people to stop parking like idiots.”
Growth.
Mundane and beautiful.
Patrick began helping at the marina during summers when older.
Simon preferred woodworking.
By seven, he had built five boats.
Only two floated properly.
He loved all five.
One stayed permanently on my office shelf.
The original.
Broken once.
Repaired.
Crooked.
No trophy beside it.
Important.
People entering my office sometimes asked why the head of Langley displayed a child’s damaged model instead of awards.
I answered:
“Because I like it.”
May you like
No lesson required.
Not every meaningful object needs explanation to outsiders.
