Going Away

No one saw this coming. 30 year-old accountant, James Frank Milton always knew he'd surprise folks some day, but until last year, he didn't know how. The annual Regional Survivalist Competition was something James always seemed to know about, with two uncles, an older brother, and many cousins competing over the years. Last year he finally entered, his first ever contest. James up and won it, strong, straight out, going away. Actually, that's what he literally did. After the televised prize ceremony, James simply vanished into the forests. Some said he was running from something. Others say no, more like running to somethng, whatever he couldn't find in his life from before. Today, he's seen only rarely in the fields, or getting water at the streams, seen only when he chooses. Otherwise, he's as invisible as silence, yet always smiling, keeping a far distance. His extended survivaling has created a firestorm of controversy, each with their theory as to why. His family is a bit concerned. Eight months now, some say he's just gone squirrely. No one's too sure young James is ever coming back. A few jealously hope not. For James Frank Milton, it's all too simple. One dawn morning during the competition, awakening to the sacred solitude of ancient trees, he heard the Voice of God. And, just all at once realized how much he honestly abhors numbers!