I finished my meal and looked around to see the room void and silent but not at all without beauty. The floor boards were a glimmering wooden splendor and the walls clean and light. As I swallowed the last bite of my food, I looked to the wall behind and out the windows that made up most of the barrier. They were tall. Far too tall for someone of my size, for this was not my home but that of my dearest companion who allowed me to stay with him. He was several times my size and lived much longer than any of my kind. He and his people had to stand about three or four times the height of mine, for they too varied much as my people did.
The windows were clean and let in the sunlight so vividly. My dear companion often favored cleanliness; it was a staple of the friendly ancient giants. We had never truly developed a term or title for them, many of us simple called them by their name as that was the kindness they bestowed up us. Arthur was the one who owned this mansion of a home. He had been friends with my father, and his father before him, and so on for many generations. It was odd to think he had lived so long a life and had known almost my whole lineage far more so than even I am aware of. We were never quite sure his actual name, as his people spoke a language unfamiliar to us, my ancestors had learned a number of phrases and words and passed them along to eventually reach me but I certainly did not always understand Arthur’s native tongue. Nonetheless, he was more than accepting of his name among us, as he would always respond to it and often smiled when I called him.
I had known Arthur my whole life; as when I was born, he and his family were dear and close to mine. His children and relatives had since left and spread around the world far and wide, many of my own family following them but I had always enjoyed Arthur’s company the most and never wanted to be too far. There were few things I enjoyed more than a visit to see my old friend.
I stared into the distant fields and forests out beyond Arthur’s home. It was a gorgeous piece of land. When I was young, I used to often frolic through his fields and play with my brothers and sisters around the woods. Arthur in his infinite youth once did the same. However, I had grown old and as rare a sight as it was, so too was Arthur falling beyond his prime. I suppose even the most powerful and gentle of giants must one day meet their saddening end. It was an upsetting thought to know that this graceful beast who had watched over my family for what must’ve been hundreds if not thousands of years would lie down soon, never to get back up. It is both a blessing and a curse to be the last to see him. I had only heard legends of his kind passing. My grandfather would say that the earth stood still and the winds would be quiet for what felt like an eternity. But even he had never truly experienced such an event.
I moved to meet my dear friend as he was sitting and resting in his old age. He was placed upon a chair in the next room much too large still for someone of my size. I did not care however. Arthur was more than just my friend; he had been a companion and a guardian to me and all of my loved ones. The extra effort it took to climb his gigantic furniture was little payment for the grand reward of sitting next to such a magnificent being.
He turned and looked at me in silence. His eyes were fading from their once vibrant color and his skin had begun to wrinkle much like ours does. It shown as extra effort in his face, but he smiled at the sight of my presence. I would happily give Arthur the world if I could though in his kindness, he would not take it. All he ever required from my family and me was our love and company. That I would gladly give him.
As I sat upon the chair next to him, Arthur gently placed his arm across my shoulders and spoke something in his own language. With his old age he had began to speak in a tongue I could understand less and less. It was likely becoming too much of a strain on him. I did not mind though; I could clearly tell from his tone it was a lovely embrace of words. I placed my hand upon his leg for it was all I could reach but I wished to return the sentiment.
Dear Arthur only leaned his head back in fatigue and took in a deep breath of relief. He no longer had the energy or strength he once did with my father, though still he was far more capable than I had ever been. I could not help but stare at him in awe and with love. Such powerful and graceful beasts were his kind, they had the strength, speed, and life span to do great and amazing things. Their lives were so filled with awe and wonder and yet every step of the way, many such as Arthur chose to spend so much of it with an ordinary person like me. It was a concept I could never fully wrap my head around but every time I tried it filled my heart with love enough to lift me into the sky and beyond. When I was with Arthur, I felt like I could fly and nothing could ever harm us.
I too closed my eyes for a moment to rest my aching old body. I could not help but give a sigh out of relaxation and joy. My life was short in comparison to that of the great giant Arthur, and soon it would be at its end. I wish now that I can only hold on long enough to see Arthur off. I do not want to burden him with the mourning of my death, and I want so intensely to make sure he is at peace when his comes. It is a simple task and yet so close to my heart. I am the last of my people to keep Arthur company, and I gladly do so until the end. He has been so kind to me. He is my companion, and I love him.
* * *
Groaning in his old decaying body, Arthur looks down to see his faithful loving old terrier come into the room and hop up next to him on the couch. He lays his hand upon the dog and pets him gently.
“We’re getting too old for this, buddy.” Arthur says in his tired but loving voice.
The 14-year-old dog however places his paw on Arthur’s thigh almost as if he understands and is trying to comfort the old man. It makes Arthur smile tremendously. His kids are all grown and living on their own. His wife passed only a year prior and Arthur is sure his time is coming. But in this moment, he feels at peace as the small terrier rests its head upon his lap. Dogs are so simple; they only want to love.
Arthur rests his head on the back of the couch and closes his eyes. He takes in a deep breath. The old man is truly at peace and if death were to take him at this very moment, well … that would be just fine.