Benjamin, The Guardian Of The House Of Books pt5

: She grew just as he knew she would because he had grown and so did humans grow.

: Yes, fifteen years. He lay quietly revelling in that smell, thinking of all the wonderful meals, and adventures he had had in this House of Books.

: “Ah, I understand Benjamin, I guess time has passed and cats are not immortal as are we who stand here yellowing in the temperature cooled air.”

: And so it was that a statue was erected to the fond memories of Benjamin

Benjamin, The Guardian Of The House Of Books pt5

Fifteen years passed by very quickly – sometimes he even saw Nellie venturing in now and again. She grew just as he knew she would because he had grown and so did humans grow.

The first day she had appeared, he sidled up to her as she recognised her cat from long ago.

“So is this where you came to that day, you naughty pussy cat. But I guess you really aren’t naughty because I heard tell in the village what a fine mouser you are. You are very popular so I forgive you for running away like you did. The stories people tell of you – I often wondered who they were talking about so I came into town with mama and papa today just to see. And here you are. Oh Benjamin – I hear you saved all of these beautiful books from being endangered. What a proud person you have made me. I am so glad you have found your calling even though we do miss you at home. I know you can’t ever leave, you are so important around here. Will it be okay if I come visit you now and again? It is a very long way, so I won’t be able to come too often, but I will come see you sometimes, will that be okay?@

And with that Benjamin rubbed his head along her legs before spying another long tail which had him scampering off in the direction it was going.

Yes, fifteen years. He lay quietly revelling in that smell, thinking of all the wonderful meals, and adventures he had had in this House of Books.

“My friend,” he called, “it is time for me to leave.”
“ Leave Benjamin? Why are you leaving us?” the smell sadly replied.

“Because my work is done now and I am going to where all cats go to a place where there is always sunshine and love.

“Ah, I understand Benjamin, I guess time has passed and cats are not immortal as are we who stand here yellowing in the temperature cooled air.

“Yes, we have been special friends all of these years and now it’s time for me to say goodbye. You will have to go searching for another such as I. I will wait until you return, but be quick, as I can hear another calling me just as you did that day so many years ago.”

And without further ado, the smell quickly ventured out into the snow to find another such as Benjamin. “Ah, thankfully, I do not have to go far this time, as Benjamin made sure he would have someone ready when it was his time to go. Oh, yes, there she is, just over there.”

And so it was that a statue was erected to the fond memories of Benjamin so kindly thought of even to this day of the safety and security he had brought to the House of Books.

And ever after his progeny has continued to safeguard those very same books – many, many years into the future….

And that is the story of Benjamin, The Guardian of The House of Books.

Debbie Nicholson

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