As Nathan sat down, he looked out over the playground. As king it was his responsibility to look after his people. He felt a great pride as he sat perched on top of the jungle gym, yet today there was something not quite right. Amongst the laughter and cheerful screams from the kids playing tag around the slides, Nathan felt a certain sadness creep into his heart. He could feel the tears starting to well up, but as king he had to stay strong, be a leader. He forced back the tears and looked to the heavens. He always knew this day would come, this day of sadness and loss.
With his lunchbox carefully placed on his lap, he takes out the juice box his mom always packs for him, apple, his favorite. He shyly looks over to his queen and offers her his juice box. She looks at him, eyes filled with tears, then at the juice box and smiles.
The beautiful and fair Queen Emma. She has been by his side for over a year now. Together they ruled the playground, always being there for each other in their brightest and darkest moments. Although she was a whole year older than Nathan, they were inseparable. They shared breakfast together, slept next to each other during nap time, and even shared their toys during play time. Nathan even went to war for Emma when the barbarian Julian “booger face” Jones stole her play dough. They were truly meant to be together forever. But as Nathan discovered, forever ends at the age of 6.
Emma reached over and took the juice box from him. She knew how much he loved apple, and it broke her heart. Today would be the last day she would spend with her king, her friend, overlooking the playground, laughing, shouting… having fun. Tomorrow she’ll be alone, he’ll be alone. She stares off into the distance as she takes the first sip.
Nathan tries not to look at his queen. He can’t face her. Not now. How can she do this to him? How can she leave him alone, alone to rule the playground? For a split second he feels anger rising up in his heart, but it’s soon replaced by sadness again. Today will be the last day he spends with his queen, his friend. Tomorrow he’ll be alone, she’ll be alone.
Both of them stare off into the distance. Both avoiding the inevitable. Both too afraid to look at each other. The other kids seem to be oblivious to the somber mood surrounding the jungle gym. They have no idea how things are about to change, ignorance is bliss.
As the sun starts setting, Emma looks over at Nathan. Tears now flowing freely, she takes his hand and squeezes tightly. Their end is drawing near. Home time is fast approaching and there is still so much left to say, but she doesn’t know how to. He looks at her, eyes filled with tears but refusing to cry, and smiles. They stare at each other for what seems like an eternity. Neither one knowing what to say. The screams and laughter of the other children softly fade away. In complete silence King Nathan and Queen Emma share their misery alone.
In the distance a faint voice intrudes their solemn silence. This is it. This is the moment the royal couple have been dreading since the day Emma told Nathan she would be leaving for big school. This is where everything they knew comes to an end. The voice now much clearer, is calling for Emma. Her dad is here to take her away and there is nothing Nathan can do. He feels her grip on his hand loosening. He closes his eyes, the tears now running freely.
Emma knows she has to go; the voice has called a third time. She looks at her king, her friend, crying. She feels so helpless. She moves in right next to him and puts her arms around him. Nathan opens his eyes as she pulls away. They stare at each other in silence for one last time.
As Emma is led out the front door by her dad, she turns to look at her king one last time. A forlorn figure, enveloped by the sound of children laughing, stares back at her.
Tomorrow he’ll be alone, tomorrow she’ll be alone.
