CHAPTER 19
THE GOLDEN YEARS

With Outback and Jackie behind bars, the city of Bumblyburg was safe and sound once again. Veggies poured out of their homes and offices, cheering Larryboy for what he had done. But Larryboy gave the credit to Pruneman.

“Pruneman?” asked many of the veggies. “Never heard of him. He must be some new superhero.”

“He doesn’t look new. Looks pretty ancient.”

If only they knew …

Far into the night, the celebrations continued. In fact, Larryboy and Pruneman didn’t even get a chance for some well-deserved rest until long after their bedtimes.

By the next day, Larryboy was feeling as good as new and was eager to visit Pruneman at the Home for Retired Superheroes. Only this time, he didn’t have to be forced to go.

“We made a good team, didn’t we?” said Larryboy, casting his eyes at the clocks in the Clock Room.

“We sure did,” agreed Pruneman.

“But you know, it doesn’t seem fair,” said Larryboy.

“What doesn’t seem fair?”

“Over your long life, you’ve rescued this city again and again, Pruneman. But people always forget. Even I forgot what you did for us so long ago. It shouldn’t take something like this for people to remember—and respect you.”

“Time passes,” Pruneman said. “I try not to let it bother me.”

“Show respect for the elderly and revere your God,” Larryboy said to himself, trying not to forget the words from his Superhero Handbook. “By the way, if the Treasure of Bumblyburg wasn’t under the statue of Sir Lester Bumbly, then where is it hidden?”

Pruneman grinned. “I’m sorry, Larryboy, but I promised I would keep it a secret. I’m afraid I cannot tell even you.”

Larryboy shrugged good-naturedly. “That’s OK. I wouldn’t want you to break your promise. Say, how about a game of Superhero Bingo?”

“I’d love it.”

As Larryboy bounced out of the Clock Room, Pruneman paused to glance around. His eyes fell on the hourglasses lining one of the walls, and he smiled.

Sand flowed from one end of the hourglasses to the other. But if someone had taken the time to look carefully, he or she would have noticed that the sand in the hourglasses flashed with glints of gold.

Time is golden. Time is truly a treasure from God. Just ask any senior superhero.

Pruneman closed the door to the Clock Room and hurried after Larryboy.

“WE ARE THOSE HEROES!” shouted the dynamic duo as they bounded into the multi-purpose room, side by side.

THE END