File 177833535419.jpg - (1.07MB , 4032x3024 , IMG_1003.jpg )

A massive oak tree stands alone in a vast field that spans as far as the eye can see, its roots spreading out like talons digging into the ground. A single mark of an X lies near its base, cut by a pocket knife or some similar utensil.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. Oh, I know it’s been a long time. There wasn’t much of you for me to visit, and I wasn’t the most pleasant person to be around anyhow.”

“… But I got you some flowers!”

..

The same. Out of the corner of one’s eye, a bustling town can be seen encroaching from the horizon. Some chrysanthemums are seen sprouting along the roots, having crawled away from their original bushel over time.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. The neighbors over there seem to be alright, though you always enjoyed a little solitude. That’s too bad. I wasn’t exactly able to get the closest look at them, but they seem to know what they’re doing.”

.-.. --- ...- .

The city has now wrapped around the oak tree, a circle of standing stones garrisoned around the patch of green that houses the old oak. It looks as if the chrysanthemums had never been there at all.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. So, maybe you have a little less space to yourself. You know, just give me the word and I could take care of that for you! Heh. No, don’t worry, I wouldn’t do that… alright, alright, I’m sorry.”

-.-- --- ..- --..--

The same, except for one key difference. Beside the tree, a statue of an imposing, ambiguous figure stands tall.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. I see you’ve got yourself a little present already, probably took them a while to get it together… no, I’m not jealous. What can I say, I’m not! Oh, you’re just kidding!”

-.-- --- ..-

The city has become damaged and faded, a shadow of its former glory. Rubble is strewn in the streets, but the collection of monuments endures regardless.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. I see your place is… a little different than usual. It’s— It’s— No, it’s not terrible! It’s just… a little different, that’s all. Look, I might be away for a little while, just know that I’ll be back. No, no, I’m doing fine…”

-.- -. --- .-- ..--..

It’s been a long, long time.

There is no more city, no more standing stones, no more old oak. Even the mighty statue had been brought low, patches of moss spreading across its surface.

“Happy Anniversary, honey. I told you I’d be back!… I was sure some plucky hunter or other would have gotten me by now… and yet, I’m still ticking!”

“… But I still miss you.”

“# #### ###, ### ####?”