The Final Goodbye

A Free Willy One-Shot
Written in Jesse's POV

It had been a while since I had seen Randolph, and even longer since I had seen Willy. I had been busy with my life, which was no longer about orcas. I had managed to find a girl, and we were now engaged and expecting a baby. Naturally I would've stayed with her, but Randolph's call had sounded urgent.

Normally I would have been delighted to hear from him, but the tone in his voice worried me. And when he said it was about Willy... well, that was what caused me to leave Rebecca behind and go see him.

Randolph was waiting for me as I got off the bus. Being the kind of guy that he was, he instantly gave me a hug and a smile.

"Jesse, how've you been?" He asked. It was the usual question I received from him everytime we saw each other.

"Good. I've had alot going on." I replied. He knew about Rebecca and the baby, but also knew about the rest of my family. He especially loved hearing about what Elvis was up to.

"Well, at least you're keeping yourself busy." He said and gave a small laugh, but his smile seemed to quickly fade. I knew now that he had bad news.

"Look, Jesse... I think we need to get down to the harbour, quickly. I will tell you everything on the way." He said and we were soon driving in his truck.

He did as he said he would and told me everything, but it was not what I wanted to hear. The words he said seemed to break a part of my heart that I hadn't thought of for years! Willy had gotten an infection and was dying. He was currently in the harbor with his family, but was barely holding on.

Randolph told me that he had been like this for about two and a half weeks. He hadn't moved much, only to eat. Randolph had tried to figure out the situation, but the only answer he could even think of was that Willy may want to say goodbye to me. I could understand this, because if I was dying I'd want to say goodbye to him too.

We stepped out of the car, and began walking towards the water. Normally I'd gleam with happiness when I saw him, but now I couldn't. My best friend was dying,. and I could see he was extremely weak.

Without hesitation, I stepped out into the water. The other orcas seemed alarmed at first, wanting to protect Willy. But he must have sent out some sort of message because they soon backed off. I smiled as I stroked him. He still felt rubbery.

Without me commanding anything, he opened his mouth so I could stroke his tongue. He had always enjoyed that and I enjoyed it also. Doing it brought me back to when we were both young.

But this happy moment had to end. I knew he was waiting for the goodbye before he left this earth. I took a deep breath, and then spoke up.

"Willy, it's time to go." I started out, but I stopped. "Willy, you are my best friend. You will always be my best friend, even after you die. Love never ends and I do love you Willy... You and I, we have been through alot together, but we have always been together. Our hearts and souls are connected Willy, so no matter where you are... We will always be one." I was crying now, and from the sounds Willy was making it sounded like he was too. "Let go, Willy. I'll be ok." I promised him and slowly I watched him take his last breath.

"Goodbye..." I whispered.

I gave him one final pat before stepping out of the water. I was soaked in both water and tears, but I didn't care. All I cared about was that Willy was finally at peace.

I continued living my life. Rebecca and I got married, and we had a son. We decided to name him William, in honor of Willy… The greatest friend I ever had!

The End.

Ok, so not one of my best ones... Mainly because I have been uninspired for the past week or so.

Please forgive me and I hope you liked it at least a little bit ^^