text: “Hey Phil. Running a bit late are we?”, said the newest guard to join the watch and also Phil's successor. “Just wanted to take one last stroll around the block Frank.”, he replied as all 8 of his legs struggled to pull his old body to the top of the headboard. Once up, he closed his many eyes and took a deep breathe. The cool nights air filling his lungs like it had countless times before. “Any web breaches tonight?”, he asked. His eyes still closed as he recalled the first time he stood here. He was now old, almost 2 years of age, and was ready to step aside and let a younger and quicker spider take his post. “Nope.”, Frank replied. “I suspect that your webs will out last us all.”. He turned his gaze to his friend and smiled, only getting a slight smirk in return. Frank was unsure how to approach tonight. This was the last night that Phil would be on watch with him. The older and more experienced arachnid had been his mentor and friend for an entire month, saying goodbye would be difficult. Phil must have been feeling some sadness about this all as well. But this was to be a night of celebration. A night the all spiders wait their entire lives for. “Are you excited for the jump?”, he asked. “Excited?” asked Phil. “I don't think excited is the right word.” “What? Why? I've been dreaming about my jump since I was young and hate that I have to wait a whole year before I get to meet Anansi.” “Yes, well I guess feelings change the closer one gets to the end of their life.”, he said. He opened his eyes and submerged them in his surroundings. He was going to miss this view. Deep down Phil didn't want to jump. The ancient tradition that once seemed so honourable and poetic was now a cruel reminder of a life wasted. “I can't believe what I'm hearing.”, snapped Frank. “This is borderline blasphemy Phil. The book is very clear as to what happens when we reach the age of..”, he started but was interrupted by Phil. “I know, I know. I'm not saying that I won't jump, what would i do with my life now anyway. All I'm saying is that maybe there is nothing waiting for me on the other side. Have you ever wondered why it is that we even protect the humans from mosquitoes while they sleep? I've spent every night up here thinking about such questions without ever coming to an answer.”, he ranted. Looking over to his friend he could tell that he was talking into deaf ears. Frank was fresh out of the academy and had unbreakable faith in Anansi, the spider God, and her promise of a life in paradise to those who protect the humans. “Phil”, Frank said in semi stern, semi gentle voice. “You need to have faith. You've reached the end of your time here and should be looking forward to eternity with Anansi. All you need is faith.”, he preached as he placed 3 of his arms onto the old man's back. “Now how much longer until the jump?, he asked. Phil sighed. There was no point in fighting. No point in arguing. “Anytime now.”, he answered. “The air is dry tonight so he should be opening his mouth soon.” “And when he does?” “When he does I will leap from this headboard and into my warm, moist grave.” “And into Anansi's arms my friend.”, giving him a loving pat of the back before removing his arms. They both sat there in silence until the moment was upon them. Phil closed his eyes and took one last breathe. “My only regret in life is that it took a lifetime to realize I have regret.”, he mumbled before jumping into the darkness. The same darkness that took his predecessor and the same darkness that will eventually take his successor.