Unconditional Love

“Mumma, where’s Arthur? I haven’t been able to say bye to him yet!” asked Peter.

“I don’t know Pete, he might be in your room.” replied Natasha.

Peter ran up to his room, and slowly opened the bedroom door. Arthur was sitting on the bed starring at the ball in his hand. Peter sat next to him and slowly stroked his ruffled hair. Arthur just quietly put his head on a soft pillow, and looked away. Peter didn’t know what to say. He got up and picked Arthur up and starred right into his big brown watery eyes and said, “Listen up, you have to take care of them now. I will be back really soon. Don’t starve yourself and please don’t go running after useless females. Always stay the crazyass adorable little brother that you are. I love you, man!” exclaimed Peter, trying not to cry. He gave Arthur a tight bear hug and said, “I don’t want to leave you, but I have to go,and they don’t allow family members in the hostel rooms, so you’ve gotta stay here, okay? You need to know that I will be back. Okay? I’m always there for you buddy.” Arthur was still pretty upset and was still just looking at the ball which was rolling around on the bed.

“Aye! Say something! Anything. Just at least look at me? Please Arthur, don’t do this to me buddy.” exclaimed peter trying to get a reaction out of him, but Arthur was still just looking at the ball. Finally giving up, Peter gave him another tight hug and kidded him on the forehead and said, “Fine, if the ball is so important to you, go play with it.” and he put Arthur back on the bed. He started walking back to the door when suddenly Arthur got off the bed and ran up to him, kept the ball at his feet and looked up straight into Peters eyes. And all of a sudden, Peter began tearing up. “Oh buddy. I will miss you so much!  I love you, alright? Always remember that. Here, go fetch!” And Peter threw the ball right down the stairway for Arthur to fetch.

Everyone has their own way of saying bye to their loved ones, some start crying, some start making promises like Skyping every weekend or conference calls every Friday night, while a very small number of people give a tight hug and say, “Until next time, take care!” If the relationship is strong enough, just a hug and a “Take care” is reassuring enough to get you through the next couple of years until you meet again. Goodbye is a very strong word, especially in the present day and age, we’re always connected via Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype, Gmail, Instagram, Snapchat etc. Agreed there’s a difference between physical presence and virtual presence, but honestly speaking, in a way, it’s sufficient to float your boat. Goodbye should only be said when you’re absolutely certain you won’t ever meet again. So don’t go around saying goodbye to people you love, let them know that distance is just something according to Google Maps and not something the heart understands. Call up your childhood friends and catch up. It’s never too late.  

Live, love, breathe!

Yours affectionately, 

Nameless Old Monk.