What a wonderful prequel! The beginning of the old mans journey. I love it! Well done

The sun reflecting off the cobblestones and the blue sky gave me a clear picture of the scene. The boy’s eagerness for adventure is apparent. Great job!

Great sequel, and I love the parallels. I hadn’t envisioned it this way, but the two make a neat diad that feels apros pos of any such life experience, whether going to sea, going to war, or some other dodgy enterprise upon which youth are likely to enter.