darwin

Francis is happy in his new home. He just arrived this morning and he seems adjusted to his new environment already. He’s been introduced to most of the people in the office and they welcomed him like they did Darwin. He may look smaller than Darwin but I assume he’s got the same spunk. Let’s hope he lasts more than a year here. Darwin couldn’t make it longer than 16 months. Talk about short-term.

They say I should’ve talked to Darwin more, should’ve encouraged him more, should’ve made sure he’s comfortable where he is. I looked at him every day, tried to gauge how he is and he seemed okay. I’d give him attention, even play with him a little sometimes. Then I wouldn’t see him on weekends and it was fine. He was okay with that.

Then I was away for one week. I had to attend a workshop outside the office. I didn’t see him then and when I got back he was gone. I didn’t notice it at first but they told me quite sadly that he’s gone. I was smiling as I found it foolish of me not to notice right away. But deep inside I was sad. I didn’t think he’d leave so soon. Was it because I was away for an entire week? Was it because he missed seeing me? was it really my fault that he’s now gone, never to return again?

We had a good relationship. Most times I may have taken his presence for granted but he was fine with that. He didn’t impose on me surely nor I on him. Yet that wasn’t enough. He had to leave for a higher plain. His time here is finished and I have to let go. Letting go used to be harder to do in the past. But with Darwin it wasn’t that bad nor that difficult. I simply have to accept that he’s happy wherever he is now. I’m just hoping he’s in fish heaven as I write this.