Eldin sighed as he parked his car. Looking up, the car’s headlights illuminated the sign; “Applewood Resting Home.” Another sigh. Eldin shut off the vehicle and walked towards the building, stopping for a moment he collected his thoughts.

“It has to be tonight...”

The sound of the door opening was met with the cheerful voice Eldin was expecting. “Evening El!” Sarah stood to the left of the door behind a large wooden reception desk. Returning her smile, Eldin donned an accent halfway between British and Scottish. “How are you this fine evening Miss O’Donnal?” Sarah’s eyes danced at this. “Just grand Mr. Smith!” Joining his accent. Eldin laughed.

“This will be the last time we play this game...”

Sarah’s smile slowly faded as she said “He isn’t doing very well...” Her eyes met Eldin’s. “How long?” Eldin asked with concern. “Few weeks, maybe a month.” Sarah replied. Silence followed as her words fell on Eldin’s ears.

“It really doesn’t matter how long he has...”

Eldin smiled at Sarah. “I’ll do my best to keep things lighthearted!” Eldin said, trying to keep her from dwelling on it. “Do you have any coffee?” He added, quickly changing the subject. Her smile returned as she said “Of course, I knew you were coming so I put on a fresh pot, I’ll make you a cup and bring it to you in a few minutes.” “Thank you my Dear, you know me all too well.” Eldin said dropping into his accent again. Sarah smiled and handed him a key. Eldin thanked her and started down the hallway.

As Eldin made his way down the hall, he twirled the key ring around his finger. Sarah could hear him half humming half singing a song she always assumed was stuck in his head. It sounded beautiful to her, but also sad, she didn’t know why. As Eldin reached the door he stopped. Unlocking the door, the key had the room number on it: “159”. A memory flashed before his eyes, for a moment he was years away. Standing on a street corner, a horse drawn carriage rode past him, “159” on the back of it. Another flash, he was back in front of the door. He opened it and stepped inside.

“It’s started...”

----------------------------------------

The room was dimly lit by a lamp that rested on a nightstand next to the bed. “Is that... Cough ... Is that you Old friend?” The voice was weak, but Eldin could hear the satirical tone that wrapped around the words “Old Friend”. He smiled and replied, “It’s me, How do you feel Charlie?” Eldin pulled a chair close to the side of the bed and sat down. Charles answered, “Much better now that your here, I always feel younger when you’re around. How long have we known each other El?” Eldin seemed far away for a moment. “72 years.” Eldin said after just a second. “Ah, those years seemed to have passed like days, now that I’m looking back. I guess that’s just how we perceive time once its past... Is it the same for you?” Charles added with a bit of curiosity. Charles looked into Eldin’s eyes, which once matched his young face, now looked older than Charles was himself.

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“It’s that time for you, isn’t it? Of course... That’s why you’re here.” Charles said with certainty. Eldin sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry... I..” Eldin started. Charles placed his hand on Eldin’s knee. “Don’t be, I knew years ago what I agreed to do for you.” Charles assured. “You told me long ago what you have gone through, and I agreed to help ease the difficulty in finding a willing donor.” Eldin nodded and replied. “I just wish I could have helped you more, no matter how many times I go through this I always feel regret for how I’ve treated the volunteer. Even then, I remember the alternative is far worse. I refuse to take innocent lives and I won’t let “It” take full control.” Determination filled Eldin’s eyes, and Charles watched the young age return to them. “How long do you have left?” Charles asked. “I can give you the whole night, the flashbacks have only just started. I don’t want to get too close to the 24 hour mark, 14 to 16 hours will be safe. I’ll stay with you until then.” Eldin had just finished speaking when there was a knock at the door, Sarah then entered pulling a cart in behind her. “Here’s your coffee El, and I brought some decaffeinated Earl Grey tea for you Mr. Varlen. Is there anything else I can bring for you?” Sarah asked. Eldin smiled, “Thank you so much Sarah, you’re a dear as always. Charles and I have some catching up to do. So I will be staying through the night, I know that visiting hours don’t allow that, but I was hoping you might make an exception for our sake?” Eldin gave Sarah an asking look and a charming smile. Sarah smiled knowingly, and replied “For you two? Anything. I was just waiting for you to ask honestly.” Sarah said grinning. Eldin laughed and said “As I said before; you know me all too well.” Sarah replied “Well I do my best Mr. Smith. I shall prepare some food for you both and bring it when it’s ready.” Eldin responded, “Thank you so much Sarah.” As Sarah left the room Eldin turned to Charles. “Now, as I was saying, I have about 16 hours, they are yours, whatever you would have me to do; if it is within my power, I will do it.”

Charles replied, “That is a lot of power you are giving a dying man who has nothing to lose.” Eldin laughed and said, “I’m glad to see your sarcasm hasn’t faded. So what would you have of me?” Charles smiled and his face changed to one filled with wonder. “I would have you tell me the whole story of how you became... What do you call it?” “Immortal.” Eldin sighed as the word left his body, it was as if the word had physical weight to it. “Ah, I was going to say something along the lines of “everlasting youth”, something like that.” Charles mumbled then continued, “But yes, you told me long ago of what happened to you, but you never fully explained it. If I remember correctly you told me it would be too dangerous for me to know the details.” Eldin nodded, “I didn’t want to risk you looking into everything yourself. There are people out there who keep this information secret and will kill to keep it that way, but now telling you would be fine.” Charles laughed. “Sounds like an adventure that would have ended my life long ago, but yes, now that doesn’t matter. I’ll be taking it with me when I go.” Eldin took a sip of his coffee and asked, “So where would you like me to start?” Charles thought for a moment. “At the beginning I suppose, leave nothing out, will you have enough time for that? Eldin nodded, “Very well, from the beginning then.”