One time when Ben heard that the person he loves to spend his days with was going away for a long weekend he clarified his feelings. 

 

"I'm not disappointed."

 

I suspect it was a bit of a self talk effort, trying to convince himself through the process of convincing us. He had the same response when I told him that the woman who walks with him each week was headed south to visit her grandchildren. 

 

"I'm not disappointed."

 

The Scarecrow and Tinman in the Wizard of Oz are some of his heroes, and Benjamin can recite whole swaths of their dialogue. Like them, there are quirky lacks in Ben's personality, that he more than makes up for in other ways. 

 

"I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks..."

 

This is what the trio of Dorothy's friends recited as they ventured into the dark forest. Maybe it was to appease the ghosts lurking in the shadows. 

 

There are indeed scenarios that Ben is afraid of, and talking about it is not his first language. But living in this world with a predominance of people who lean on words a great deal, he has been a good sport about meeting us half way. I applaud him for spelling out his determination to handle a change in plans without crumbling.

 

I did both notice and enjoy his eagerness when Justin returned. Often he lingers awhile chatting with me before they head out, but after four days without his fine company Benjamin was not having it. He grabbed his wallet and sprinted out the door. I think if he did not follow promptly he would have started the motor.