A Final Hello

The Cat was very busy packing her things for a trip that she wasn’t very excited about. She put her things in neat little piles but didn’t want to put them in her bag. She was dreading this trip.

The trip was to say goodbye to an old friend. Saying goodbye to a friend is never fun but it’s even more not fun when you know you’ll never get to see that friend again.

The Owl, a friend of the Cat who wasn’t going away forever anytime soon was keeping her company and trying to take her mind off things.

“I’m sad and I don’t want to go see my friend.” The Cat began, “Saying goodbye for the last time is not going to be very fun at all.”

“I know,” concurred the Owl, “Saying goodbye for the last time makes you never want to say goodbye.”

The Cat picked up her bag and started throwing her little piles into it very unenthusiastically.

“You know,” the Owl began, “Saying hello to an old friend is also one of the best feelings there is.”

The Cat thought for a moment.

“Yeah you’re right,” said the Cat, “The moment when you first see a friend whether after a short or long absence always makes you feel better. Even if you’re in a bad mood, you’re in a little better mood afterward”

The Owl sighed. He knew what he was about to say wasn’t comforting but it was honest, and when you have nothing else of comfort you can say you can always be sincere, and honest, and loving.

“Well,” began the Owl, “You’re also going to be saying hello to your old friend for the last time too. And that’s the most fun part. Just focus on taking that in. Take all the time you have left in.”

The Cat started tearing up. She looked at the Owl and smiled a small thank you to her friend. She wiped away her tears and started packing her things. With a little more purpose, knowing that she was on her way to say a great big hello to her friend, for the last time.