We were the best of friends.  And we had many ‘other’ friends.  Yet, the two of us have something special.   Almost born on the same day, we were virtually and physically inseparable.   We played all sorts of games – who can stay underwater the longest to who can venture the farthest in our lake.  All involved some sort of danger, but we never knew fear thanks to our leader!  Our Guardian!  He was the strongest among our group – and we haven’t anyone stronger!  Thanks to him – we were untouchables.

As we grew, the games changed.  We were bigger.  Stronger.  Naturally, there were play fights among us to find out who was stronger among us.  I would win – most times.  Well, always.  But, I like to stay humble.  There were times when we challenged the guardian and of course we were quickly shown our places.  Strength, coupled with experience, is an unbeatable combination.  We didn’t know fear when we were small, weak, vulnerable – and now that we were big, strong, imposing – there wasn’t a chance to taste fear.

And yet, one morning as the golden light of the sunrise swept over our lake, so did a terrible existential fear.  The lake, our provider and source of life, swallowed our guardian to its mysterious depths.   It’s said that when a guardian sinks, another tree rises up on the banks to watch over us.   But, we still need a guardian for our herd.  Another protector.

And so the battles began among the strongest of us.  It wasn’t for bragging rights to be a leader – it was so much less – and so much more.  And a strong one cannot sit out of such battles.  Such was the way. 

These battles lasted a few days as the weaker ones were eliminated after giving due chances.   And at last, the final battle began.  As fate would have it – it was me against my best friend.   I’m sure the thought to just hand over the battle crossed both our minds – but it wasn’t something that can be handed over.   It wasn’t a gift.  It was not a responsibility that I HAD to do.  It wasn’t a desire.  It wasn’t a compulsion.   But I did battle earnestly, honestly – so did my friend.  It wasn’t an easy fight, but I prevailed.  I didn’t realize all those play fights with my friend didn’t just make me strong – it made me the strongest.   I will now use that strength to protect everyone.  I am the guardian of the lake. The guardian of my herd.  Guardian of my friend.

We were the best of friends.   We are still best friends!