One Final Task

Sleep, little one. Dawn brings one final task.

I’ve heard you at your work, the fall of an ax, ring of a hammer, your call to the animals at dusk. It has been your theme these many years. Have you heard mine? We are, by nature, gentler than thou. No soul has heard my feathers.

Few, even, have seen me by the light. You did. Some years ago, remember? You were a boy. Lonely and lost, I had to lead you home. Your mother worried so.

It was years before you saw me again, at dusk, as the sun departed, and its last rays cracked the forest floor. But I saw. You’d strayed far into my woods and studied me as I dove for a field mouse.

Thank you for the food, by the way. I know you started leaving it for me after that. What funny things you humans are, no mouse for me but steak for you? Still, it was my time to play before my labors began and the moon rose to guide my path.

You labor through the day; I watch through the night. It's a law, somewhere, I think. Did you even know the dangers? Have you never wondered that you fear the darkness or that the children cry at nightfall? I have guarded you these many years, from the shadow creatures. Those frolicking fiends curse all the big folk, you who walk over the earth, upright and steadfast. They would drag you to their darkness.

Do not be afraid. We owls were sent to help you. We watch over the children's sleep, guard the weary and lost folk. It is our purpose. You must care for the other creatures while we care for you.

There are others, not just the owls, bound forever to the big folk. Dogs, for one. Nasty things, so loud and childlike, but they do their jobs adequately. Cats as well, I suppose, though I disapprove of them myself. They must also have their uses, but I admit I hate them. They're as devilish as a non-devil thing can be. I still bare the scars from one feline fiend some years ago. Clawed me out of the air like a sparrow. Or worse, a pigeon. It was dreadfully embarrassing. I’ll never go near the barn again.

Thank you, by the way, for bandaging that up and for the new home you built. It has shielded me these many years. Did you know it was me you nursed? The same from your boyhood? Who led you bleeding and tearful from the forest’s clutches? I thought not. Your people have such odd ideas of time and the creatures in your care.

You have been my charge for all your years. I think I frightened you as a boy, little one, with my screams in the night? I am sorry. The enemies were close, but I would not let them take you. It was not your time. You hadn't even met Sarah nor had your little ones. So much life to live, and none of it how I had imagined. Did you imagine it? All the highs, all the lows? Did you imagine the war?

I tried to follow you to war—my only failed mission. But I had a friend look in on you at Normandy. What a dark day that was. We heard the cries all the way across the waters... so many watchers left without their humans. I once met a sea bird who was there that day. He said the water turned red on the sand.

It felt like an eternity before you returned, all bandaged and frail. Not the frailness of body, maybe of spirit? I know your body was wounded too. Has it been hard, all these years, with the bullet in your shoulder? It was a hard fight you won, my friend, over your demons, a bloody, brutal fight. I saw them come for you. I tried to help. Maybe somehow I did?

What a life you have had, hard, so hard, but good. Good and worthy. It broke my heart to take Sarah from you. I am so sorry. You cursed the nights long after, and it shook the souls of your creatures. Can you ever forgive me? It was her time, after all, and the time does come for us all.

And now it is yours, old friend—time at last. You have toiled your last day, and the light has left you far behind. Fear not, my little one, my strong one, my old friend, your children will live well. My brothers and sisters watch over their little ones. We raised them well these many years. My brethren will guard them safe. Your watch, my one, is over.

I will bring you to my master, the gentlest of giants and carer of us all. He watched you and smiled as he does us all. I am so pleased he gave me you. It has been my honor, little one, to guard against the shadows.

Rejoice! For I will take you to the realm of stars, where you will soar with lost loves and departed souls. We will fly.

So sleep, my friend. Sun wakes soon, but you will not rise to see it.

Your final task: one last breath. It's time. The life is finished.