I do not remember if I was surprised, but if I was, it must have been because of his startled look.

I do not remember how I came there, nor where it was: an arched dome with the colour of a tear-streaked sun at the end of an eerie tunnel. I wanted to move but could not. It was quiet, and I feel everything was solemn and respectful. A funeral wake.

The tiny chime of his pendant brought me back, but he was going already, or I was...?

I wanted to say my name, to shout that we will meet again. Silence came out in great pouring and nothing else. I wanted to have his name on my tongue, but it was too late, too late. The wind came. The great wind came and whisked me away. Wiped me away. Me and everything else.

Then I realised, a blessing of enlightenment lit my soul like a lightning: the world was ending. And though it was sad, I felt delivered, for he had been chosen to stand witness to the end of everything. I felt my last smile dissipated. Slowly. Painless.