In the river of Aria's memories, there is a turtle that accompanied her for thirteen springs. It was not only a longstanding member of the household but also an irreplaceable source of tranquility in her heart. This turtle had its own stubborn habits, never crossing the threshold into Aria's bedroom, as if maintaining a delicate balance and respect.
However, fate loves to weave miracles unexpectedly. One late night, as the moonlight gently filled the room, Aria was astonished to find that the usually well-behaved turtle was lying quietly by her bedside, close to the edge of the bed, as if seeking the last bit of warmth and companionship. This scene, like a warm current, instantly flowed into Aria's heart, filling her with an unprecedented sense of shock and emotion.
In the days that followed, the turtle became Aria's most loyal night-time companion. It was silent, but with its presence, it conveyed its deep attachment and reluctance to part with Aria. Aria could feel the strength in every breath the turtle took, a testament to its resilience and desire for the beautiful moments they shared.
However, beautiful moments are often fleeting. On one early morning, as the dawn light gently illuminated the room, Aria slowly opened her eyes and her gaze fell instinctively on the familiar yet unfamiliar figure beside her bed. The turtle lay still, its body having lost its former vitality and warmth. Those eyes, once brimming with wisdom, were now tightly shut, as if in an eternal sleep.
Aria realized that the turtle's uncharacteristic behavior of staying in her room, close to her bed, was its unique way of bidding her a final farewell. A surge of indescribable sorrow welled up in her heart. She gently reached out, her hand trembling as she touched the now cold shell of the turtle. The shell still bore the marks of time, with each groove recording the days and nights they had spent together. As Aria's fingers slowly moved over the shell, it felt as though she was having one last conversation with the turtle, trying to capture a faint echo of life from the silence.
Everything around her became unusually quiet. The occasional birdsong from outside seemed to play a mournful melody for this farewell. Aria's eyes gradually filled with tears. She knew that this moment marked the end of her and the turtle's journey together.
Aria gently picked up the turtle, cradling it as if holding a weighty emotion. She walked to the window, letting the warm sunlight bathe the turtle's body, hoping this warmth would accompany it on its final journey. She understood that although the turtle had left this world, it had left her with an everlasting love and remembrance, along with a profound understanding of life, love, and farewell.
In the days to come, whenever Aria recalls this time, a warm current will fill her heart. It is the most precious gift that the turtle gave her.
