Begin Again: Inkling Explorations for January, 2016

I've spent like a week trying to decide on what "new beginning" in literature to highlight for this month's Inkling Explorations link-up on Sharing the Journey, and last night, I found just what I wanted, while I wasn't searching at all.  I finished rereading Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery last night, and while I was reading the last two pages, I found exactly what I want to share for this.  We're snowed in this morning and church has been cancelled, so I'm going to grab a minute before all the kids are up to quick post this :-)

DISCLAIMER:  This is obviously full of SPOILAGE since it's from the last two pages of the book.  

Halfway down the hill a tall lad came whistling out of the gate before the Blythe homestead.  It was Gilbert, and the whistle died on his lips as he recognized Anne.  He lifted his cap courteously, but he would have passed on in silence, if Anne had not stopped and held out her hand. 

"Gilbert," she said, with scarlet cheeks, "I want to thank you for giving up the school for me.  It was very good of you -- and I want you to know that I appreciate it." 

Gilbert took the offered hand eagerly.  "It wasn't particularly good of me at all. Anne.  I was pleased to be able to do you some small service.  Are we going to be friends after this?  Have you really forgiven me my old fault?" 

Anne laughed and tried unsuccessfully to withdraw her hand.  "I forgave you that day by the pond landing, although I didn't know it.  What a stubborn little goose I was.  I've been -- I may as well make a complete confession -- I've been sorry ever since." 

"We are going to be the best of friends," said Gilbert, jubilantly.  "We were born to be good friends, Anne.  You've thwarted destiny long enough.  I know we can help each other in many ways.  You are going to keep up your studies, aren't you?  So am I.  Come, I'm going to walk home with you."

If you know the story of Anne of Green Gables, you know that Anne has spent the entire book being angry at Gilbert Blythe because he pulled her red hair and called her "Carrots" on one of her first days in Avonlea.  He begged her to forgive him several times, and she always refused, but after five years of growiing up, Anne is finally mature enough to know how to let go of a grudge.  And so her life as a child has ended, and her life as a young woman begins.