It turned out to be a clear sunny morning, warm but not uncomfortable as they sat together.
The light was dappled as shadows and shade mixed with circles of light on the ground like magic, as sometime they had seen before.
The large towering Gums, close to them stood still and silent, and as they looked up a bird of prey launched itself to freedom from the towering cliff above them.
They sat amongst the scattered boulders and rocks at its base, talking as close friends do about times shared and adventures remembered.
They had known each other since early school. Very different in personality, one quiet and reserved, the other always the life of the party. But they became closer than any friend and even than a brother could be to each other.
They sat reminiscing about the many experiences and places they had discovered. Each knowing that if they had not remained friends, they would have missed out on the rich lives they had now been fortunate to share.
Way back the younger of the two being outgoing as he was, felt a need to draw out his reserved friend. To be his guide in helping to open up to others and a life to be lived. Really it was that decision it could be said, that had taken them both places they would not have previously envisaged.
They laughed as they recalled crazy times and stupid things they had done. Like backpacking on African plains to be told later by locals that Rhinos or Lions should have killed them. Crossing over a raging river via a rickety bamboo bridge with overpacked bags of simple things, like shoes and books, to bring to a remote village school and the smiles and joy of those children. Then there was the diving on reefs where the memory of the colours was still so vivid to them as they reminisced now. And of camping trips in high places that showed them amazing sights, sunrises and night skies that could not be imagined.
They both instantly remembered one particular sunrise they were fortunate to share. It was when the red sky was covered by an amazing formation of mammatus clouds that extended to the horizon. Coloured with shades of purple, mauve, red and creamy yellow. And how it appeared like steps or pavers leading to Heaven.
There were so many times like this and even now as they looked up through the trees, the blue sky had amazing streaking clouds appearing like feathers slowly gathering.
The quieter friend then looked at his mate intently.
The other knew that look. “You need to do two things for me”. The pause was intentional and also needed. “Promise no matter what, you will always make the most of life, okay! And second will you stop the stuffing around and tell that girl how you feel about her!”
“What girl!” He said as he wondered how to deflect away from the reason for this conversation.
“Oh come on! You know what I’m talking about.” He grinned ,“Mate you couldn’t hide that from me.” Then continuing in a demanding tone, “So promise. I mean it!” .
“Okay I will. Don't be so dramatic all of a sudden”.
“Well I cant help it”. He said as he looked down.
He could tell that his body was shattered from the fall from the cliff face they had been climbing and time was now short. The impact on the boulder they were now leaning against had done its damage.
They both knew his life was slipping away. Rescuers were coming but also time was now coming to a close.
His friend had been cradling him this whole time. And really this time of talking, remembering and laughing had been the best of all times.
He could now tell he was drifting away. The colours seemed for a moment more vibrant. He looked up at his friend, “So what are you going to do?’
“Stay here with you of course.”
“That is not what I meant and you know it. Listen you have given me one hell of a life. Done amazing things and lived so much.”
He drew a long breath.
“And mate I thankyou for all of that, but now you will do this for me. Live your life and move on after this and I mean it, talk to that damn girl, yeah!!”
“Yep I will”.
“I mean it listen to me”.
“I promise. And stop your damn nagging”. They laughed because that last comment was one he often said to his friend.
The colours now started to fade and sounds became quiet.
“Thank you for everything”, and he closed his eyes for the last time.
His friend looked down, also grateful to have had someone like his mate in his life. But also for this final shared time to sit together.
Cradling in his arms, his best of friends, he knew he had now gone. Left to join those wispy clouds and that remembered amazing sunrise.
(Words and images Copyright Kevin Palmer 2022, All rights reserved)