Rememberance

Recently my beloved cat Jaspur went missing. He does not normally wonder and has been missing for quite some time now. So, regrettably, we have been forced to assume that he has been taken by some wild animal. I miss him very much, but I'll always remember him. 

Ella, however, has not taken Jaspur's departure quite so well. Being a Wood Elf ( and a young one at that ) Ella is greatly affected by all the living beings around her, especially animals. Her ability to commune with nature means it is easy for her to become deeply attached to those around her.  So even now, she grieves silently for her lost friend.

..............

Ella: * sigh *

Me: El?

Ella: Oh, hi Rosie.

Me: Hello. What are you doing sitting out here all by yourself?

Ella: I...I just....

Me: Yes?

Ella: I miss Jaspur.

Me: Ah, yes, I thought that might be what was bothering you.

Ella: Why did he have to just disappear?

Me: I don't know honey. These things happen to pets sometimes.

Ella: We don't even know what really happened. If he's still alive and lost, or if he really is de....

Ella: * sniff *

Me: I know. I know it's a hard thing to accept. Hmmm....why don't you come with me, I want to show you something.

Ella: What is it?

Me: It's out front.

Ella: Have I seen it before?

Me: Probably. But you might not have understood what it is. Take your socks off so they won't get dirty and we'll go out and have a look.

Ella: Ok.

Me: Ready?

Ella: Yes.

Me: Come on then.

.................

Me: It's just up ahead. You sure you don't want me to carry you?

Ella: No, I'm fine.

Me: Here we are.

Ella: What's here? It just looks like dirt and moss to me.

Me: This is our dog, Bailey's, grave.

Ella: * gasp * You had a dog!

Me: Yes.

Ella: And he's buried here?

Me: That's right. We thought this was a good spot, because it's under a deciduous tree. It's leaves fall off every autumn then grow back in the spring. It reminded us of the cycle of life.

Ella: It sounds sad to me.

Me: Come up here.

Me: See this?

Ella: Yes.

Me: This was once Bailey's collar.

Ella: R-really?

Me: Yes, really.

Ella: It's, becoming a part of the tree. It's covered in moss so I didn't even notice it when I was playing around here.

Me: Mmmn, this tree is Bailey's tree now. It's leaves represent his memory.

Me: Should we go back to the house now?

Ella: Ok, and I'd like to take a leaf too if that's ok.

Me: Sure.

Me: So, Ella, do you understand why I showed you that grave?

Ella: Yes, I think so.

Ella: Life is like the leaves on Bailey's tree. All things are born, and then when it's their time, they die.

Me: And?

Ella: And even though we grieve for them, like the winter freezes the land, the memories will live on forever, just like the leaves on Bailey's tree will continue to grow each spring. New life is always around us.

Me: * smiles * Feel a little better?

Ella: Yes. A lot.

Me: Right then. Now, whats say we go inside and have some hot chocolate!

Ella: Yay! * giggles *

-----The End-----

Thanks for reading!

Rosie