Forgiveness

A man was on a train sitting next to a young man in his twenties. The young man seemed stressed and was constantly looking out the window.

After about an hour the old man ask the young man "where are you going?". The young man answered that he is going to Janesville. After a little pause, the young man told the older man that he is going back home after not seeing his dad for 5 years. "I did something really bad and knowing that my dad will be very angry at me, I left without saying goodbye."

The old man ask if the dad knew his son is coming back. The young man said "I sent him a letter few weeks ago telling him I'm coming back today. I told him to put a white rag on the big maple tree in the field before the train station if he wants me to come back home. If there is no flag, I will know he did not forgive me and I will keep on going."

When they got close to Janesville the young man asked the older man if he can spot the maple tree as he is too nervous. The older man agreed and exchange seats with the young man. Looking for the tree, he was astound not see any tree in the field. He told the young man "I think your dad forgives you. The tree is covered with rags.