The Story of Tom

>I looked at him, he looked at me
>I held him in my hands; his body, tiny, compared to mine
>I silently apologized, mouthing, "I'm sorry"
>He understood. And spoke to me
>"It's the way of the world, you are the predator, I am the prey"
>He knew the truth of the world, the absolution, the way life is
>I held the knife to his shoulder, right below the bellic socket
>a single slice would do it, but....
>I couldn't.
>He was the only one who could understand.
>I stood there a moment, trying to think
>He spoke up, "Go ahead. It was meant to be this way. You have you duties"
>He was right, but still.....

>I spoke with him, of his life before, of his family, his loved ones
>He replied full-hearted, loving
>We talked, we laughed, we reminisced
>remembering times of old, better times
>We both have suffered, lost love, depression, guilt, he knew it all the same
>One of his many sons, dreamed of being a deep sea swimmer, another a professional dolphin trainer
>His favourite daughter wanted to be a marine biologist
>He would never see any of them through, not now, not anymore
>It's been too long, his time was up
>I had to do it, to kill him.
>But, I couldn't....
>Never would there be another like him
>Never again


>Scouting out the area, when the coast was clear, I went for it
>I made my way to the tank, where he had made his home, to his family
>I rushed up the stairs, and bidding him farewell, I dropped him into the water
>As he made his way down, I returned to my station, wishing him well
>Then, I realised it
>He had almost made it when....
>He was caught, mid-descent, in the moth of a spoonbill fish
>Eaten
>I looked in horror as I realised I put him in the wrong tank

>Out of my guilt and greif, I gave my final farewell, and deepest apologies
>Thomas the Lobster, I am so sorry, I failed you, I am, horrible.

>mfw I need to get out more.