Ineffable moments

Goodbye old friend

We got you when I was 9. You were the smallest of them all, barely 6 weeks old. It took me no time to find you, one walk around the enclosure with you following me along the interior told me everything I needed to know. You were the one, you chose me.

You were small enough to fit into my little hands, skittish and weary of your new surroundings. But little by little, I gained your trust, and so it began- an inseparable friendship, a bond between you and I.

We spent many nights up together, you were deathly afraid of thunderstorms, and so sitting up with you, being there for you, helped me conquer that very same fear of my own. I had no choice but to be brave for you, you helped me as much as I helped you.

I was fiercely protective of you, making sure you had the best of everything, always showered with love. You in turn made sure I always had company. Through late nights, my saddest and happiest moments, you were always there. You even put up with listening to my strange ramblings and acknowledged them in your own little way.

Years passed and our relationship never dulled or faded. I your favorite person above all others and you my best friend. All who knew and met you of course came to adore you as well.

Then you got sick. I would wake in the middle of the night to check on you, or just stay up altogether. The days went by and with each that passed my heart ached and the realization set in. It was time to say goodbye.

There was no right day or time. How do you say goodbye to a part of your being, your very existence? I relented to spending as much time as I could with you, made sure you were comfortable till the time came.

Goodbye old friend. Rest easy and know this: you can never be replaced and shall forever remain in my heart.