Neverending

by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2025 

(Feb. 28, 2025) — There once lived a dog named Aiko. She took her job of guarding the emperor’s gardens very seriously. One day, when out on her rounds, she met a lost little caterpillar named Jeimi. She had never seen one before so, at first, was on high alert. But she soon felt a protective, nurturing instinct kick in. Bending down close to the frightened creature, Aiko invited Jeimi to perch on her nose. Hesitantly, he accepted the invitation. In that moment, a bond was formed.

Upon learning that Jeimi needed leaves to eat, she found him a place to live in the garden where he couldn’t really harm the plants and flowers. Every day, Aiko would visit Jeimi. He would perch on her nose and join her in her rounds around the gardens. They talked about all sorts of things, both serious and fun. One particular day, Jeimi confided in Aiko that he wasn’t feeling like his usual self and kindly declined to join her. On the morrow, Aiko hurried to Jeimi’s place and despaired when she found a strange looking object in his stead. She overheard the gardeners call it a cocoon and comment on the caterpillar that would soon emerge from inside.

Aiko didn’t understand why Jeimi would want to hide in such a silly looking thing, but she decided to stand guard till he came out. Days went by. One morning, Aiko woke up to find the cocoon was empty and a colorful creature was clinging to the outside. Aiko began to whimper. Then the gardeners walked by and exclaimed over what a beautiful butterfly the caterpillar had become. Aiko was confused. It was at that moment that the butterfly fluttered toward her and perched itself up on her nose. The creature focused his eyes on hers. Suddenly, Aiko knew, this was Jeimi!

For months, the two friends continued to make the rounds of the gardens together; this time, Jeimi was able to contribute to the well-being of the flowers. But nothing lasts forever, and the morning arrived when Jeimi didn’t come to join Aiko. Somehow, the faithful guard didn’t feel sad. She had seen her friend transform before. Aiko felt certain that, wherever Jeimi went, he was happy and had, maybe, transformed into something even more beautiful. She was sure she would see her friend, again, someday.