CHAPTER 24: Time's Arrow


Fluffy never again spoke a word of English, the pendent Andy had given him growing into nothing more than a dim memory in the rabbit's thoughts as his fur and whiskers began showing traces of silver. His brown eyes became slightly clouded over the seasons, but remained bright and warm. And, despite growing arthritis in his left hind foot, he always had the energy and time to give the fox and squirrel, or their son, a ride. He tended to nap more often than he use to, spending his days lolloping lazily about the neighborhood and basking in the warm California sun, enjoying his later years in complete contentment.
He passed away in his sleep on a sunny autumn morning. The bright orange and yellow leaves on the trees outside the window bathed the rabbit's large body in a warm glow as it lay curled up on the floor. Andy stood quietly in the doorway, a lost and lonely expression on his face. Kneeling down, he embraced Fluffy's body, resting his head upon the soft white fur. He closed his eyes and buried his snout in the rabbit's fur, and wished his friend well.
With quivering lip, Andy slowly removed Fluffy's saddle, collar, and blanket, placing them neatly on the floor next to the rabbit in time-honored tradition. The carousel trappings silently faded and dissolved before his sad eyes. His ears twitched, and he turned to see Slappy standing solemnly in the doorway. Andy went to her and buried his face in her gray fur, tears streaming freely down his face. The squirrel held the fox silently and tried to comfort him.
His spirit in peace, and in the presence of loved ones, the rabbit's body began to glow and shimmer. It was slowly enveloped by a million points of light until a fierce blinding glow emanated from where Fluffy had lain. Completely lost in tears, Andy refused to turn and watch the spectacle, leaving Slappy the sole witness of Fluffy's spirit as it departed. She nodded and smiled as the glowing shape briefly touched upon the fox's shoulder, sending a shiver through the fox's body, before disappearing through the window to return to the eternity from which it came. The squirrel sniffed quietly as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Five years later, she too departed.