Life’s Journey

You have travelled far, searched long and have at last found that which you were seeking. Sit here, sit close, I have much to impart. You must listen carefully. The only record you will have to keep are these few scraps of documents, you must guard them carefully and only pass them on when the time is right.

I see the question. You WILL know, as I do now, and you WILL recognise the recipient.

I am old, you must see that. I am old and I am tired and I am at last ready for the final stage. Life has passed through my fingers like grains of sand. If I could count them they would number the seconds of my life. I see you question this.

You, like all of us, have spent time on a beach watching the relentless surge of the sea, its never ending attempt to take possession of the land. I remember as a child, with my parents and my beloved sister, exploring rock pools, attempting to build sand castles, burying my hands in the sand and watching as it escaped back to its source. We have been told that life as we know it began in the sea, and it is to there I wish to return. And will do so when my work is done. When my knowledge and secrets are put into the hands of a willing recipient.

There is eagerness in your face, you wish to grasp this knowledge now. But wait, I am honour bound to tell you a little of my life, my long life.

My journey began that day, on the beach, with my mother and father and Elodie my sweet, little sister. She was five and was beautiful, long dark hair and eyes which had borrowed their colour from the waves, a deep sea green. No one could resist her smile and her laughter as of water chasing its way along rocks. We sat and marvelled as she chased the waves back and forth. It was as though the sea was attempting to catch her, to take her to its watery depths.

Yes, you understand. The sea did take her. A moment’s carelessness on our part and she was gone. My parents never recovered, spent the rest of their lives blaming themselves. And it was there that my quest began.

A parent should never lose a child, as my parents did. I vowed that my life would be long, I would experience all and everything, and I would choose my point of ending. I do not accept the word ‘death’, that indicates an end to consciousness. I see it as a new adventure. My sister, Elodie, is waiting for me, she will not have to wait long.

Like you I travelled far, never settling, always seeking. At last I found what I sought, in the hands of an old man sitting on a beach watching the waves. He knew of my search, the desire to know the secret of eternal life. He warned me of the dangers, as I will you. I was young but I wanted all that life could offer. He told me that friends and family would die long before me, that I would be lonely but I didn’t care.

The first few decades I experienced all I could, I was wealthy enough so could do what I wished. I knew that my health would not fail me, that I would have energy enough. 

I see those questions again, what of friends, family, children? Of course there were friends and relationships, but never any children, one of the conditions of accepting the secret. Children are such dear things, especially when they are your own. Everything, and anything, would be given to ensure their safety and happiness, even the secret. I contented myself with the memory of Elodie.

Look at the waves, can you see how green they are?

You are determined to pursue this course that is obvious. Many have sought the secret of eternal life and you almost have it within your grasp. All you need do is sign your name below my signature. There are other names there, but not many. 

Are you sure this is what you really want?

Take the papers and guard them well. Your life, your long life begins, and mine ends. Go now and leave me, enjoy what you can of your life.