Alfred sat on a bench and watched the final ship get ready to depart. It was the last bit of British influence in port, with a lone Union Jack hitched to it's main mast. People rejoiced in the streets, finally free of the mad king. Alfred felt a lot of things at that point. He felt weary from battle, jubilant at his success, hopeful for the future...

...and he felt loss, for his long-gone caretaker.

None other than Benjamin Franklin joined him on the bench, groaning as he sat down. Alfred gave a small smile that he didn't fully feel. "We really did it, didn't we?"

"And yet you are still upset?" Franklin asked carefully.

Alfred reached up and flicked non-existent debris from his shoulder. "I...I said some things I shouldn't have said and..." he hesitated. "What we can't move past this?"

"Move past what?" Franklin pressed.

"Well, things will never be the same again. Which is a good thing, of course. But, internationally, it might not be such a good thing."

"Ah," said Franklin. "You're afraid of England."

Alfred half rose out of his seat. "No! I-" He was interrupted as Benjamin bade him sit down.

The elderly delegate leaned back on his chair. "You misunderstand me, boy," he continued. "You're afraid that you and England cannot reconcile after all of this."

Alfred fiddled with his thumbs. "That's not the only thing..." He paused a moment and then said it in a rush. "Canada-my brother-is with England. What if he hates me for this? I'll never be able to see him again!"

Benjamin thumped his cane on the ground. "Listen to me, and listen well. You are correct, things will never be the same again. But couldn't you work toward making things better?"

"What do you mean?" Alfred asked.

"There is much work to be done, before you and England will be on speaking terms each other," Franklin continued. "It may be years before England, or anyone for that matter, even acknowledges your presence."

Alfred's shoulders slumped. "That...does not make me feel any better."

Benjamin kept on, as if not hearing him. "But if you work for it, it will happen. Of course, there's much work to be done. Much work that I will not be around to see."

Alfred took a deep breath. "It will be hard, without you to guide me."

"There will be others, I'm sure," Benjamin stated solidly. "Work has already begun, you know. John Adams will be going to England as a diplomat for you. That is the first step."

"And the next step?" the Nation asked.

"Whatever the situation calls for. But remember to stay true to yourself, always." Benjamin looked around. "Help me up, please? There's a celebration going on, that one shouldn't miss."

Alfred did as the man asked, and looked down at his people, dancing and cheering. He then looked out to the sea. 'Someday,' he vowed, 'I will be counted among the Nations of the world. No matter what it takes.'

Alrighty then! This story's done, so on to the next one!

Thanks for reading, and for giving me feedback. What is your final verdict for this story?

Later dudes. ^J^