"Aerin, my cancer is getting worse, and it's making me forget even the most simple things. I can't remember what we had for breakfast this morning. I'm afraid I'm going to start losing my memory faster than I thought," Arthur explained.
"I want you to promise me one thing before I forget. Keep on living when I'm gone. Make you own family and treasure them with all your heart," Arthur said in a sad tone.
I will, old man.
"And when you start your own family, protect them with your life," Arthur added.
I definitely will, old man.
Later that night…
I'm going to go for a walk, old man.
"Ok, be safe," Arthur replied.
On top of the village walls…
Why! Why! Why! I thought I would have a few more months with him, now I might not even get one month. Why, why is the world so cruel to me.
Aerin began to cry in anger and sadness…
"Why are you crying, child?" someone asked from behind Aerin.
Because my only family is dying, and it's getting worse.
But Aerin realized there was something behind him…
What?
Your, your, your a 9 foot tall lion.
"Indeed I am," the mysterious lion replied.
But, but, but, who are you?
"I go by many names, but you can just call me Λέων or Léōn," Léōn replied.
Ok, but why are you here? If you couldn't tell, you are kinda big and scary.
"Oh my apologies," Léōn replied.
Léōn then turned into a small cat..
"Is this better?" Léōn asked.
Yes, that is much better.
"So back to the topic at hand. Why are you crying, child, do you want to talk?" Léōn asked.
As I said earlier, my only family is dying faster, and I might only have one month with him.
"Child… the end you fear is not an ending, only a turning of the page.
All who walk beneath the sun will one day lay their burdens down, yet none are truly lost to the dark. What falls returns, and what fades is not gone, but waiting beyond sight.
To breathe is to borrow time; to live is to move gently toward its return. So let your days be full—rich with laughter, with love, with all the quiet moments in between. Not because they last, but because they do not.
Mourn, for love leaves an echo when it departs. Let your heart feel its weight. But do not let sorrow convince you that the path ends here… for paths unseen still wind onward, and one day, they meet again.
Walk on, child—steadfast and unafraid. Let kindness guide your hand, patience steady your steps, humility shape your spirit, and strength carry you when the road grows steep.
In time… you will understand," Léōn said in a poetic tone.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
"As I said, you will understand in time. Farewell, child," Léōn said.
Then the mysterious lion disappeared just as fast as he appeared…
The end is not truly the end, but rather a turning of the page.
That lion isn't so simple. He is wise, mysterious, and I can't help but believe he is perfection.
I should go back home and think about what he told me. I have a lot to process.
To be continued…