He had been with me for six years through thick and thin, good times and bad times. A true friend, always available and switched on when I felt creative. And on waking up in the morning, I knew he was waiting there beside me. He doubled up as a radio, and in the early hours, he was always happy to deliver the Shipping Forecast with great aplomb. He knows all my particulars, likes and dislikes, storing my files and information chronologically.
As well as being consistently reliable and keeping me company through the cold winter evenings and the long summer days and nights, he set my alarm, reminding me when to go to sleep so I enjoyed the optimum amount of rest; he insisted on counting my steps daily, while checking how much water I was drinking.
Recently, I noticed a decline in his staying power; he was definitely slowing down and beginning to lose a little of his memory. In fact, he began to go to sleep through the day and needed to recharge his batteries more often. Having nurtured him through this stage, thinking it was just a phase, I decided to take him for a day out to the Metro Centre to see if his energy could be restored. While waiting for our appointment, he was wired up and given some diagnostic tests. Having passed those successfully, he sat patiently awaiting the outcome of the visit, complying with all that was asked of him.
I watched as I contemplated acquiring a new friend to help with his workload. I browsed what was on offer. Eventually, I chose a younger model who would suit my needs perfectly and with a generous discount applied. Paddy graciously transferred all his knowledge, expertise and years of experience over to Patrick, trusting me to leave him in capable hands.
Well, that’s what I thought, and as I held on to his cover – which I’d removed earlier –
At that very moment, it happened. Just as the words ‘Transfer Complete” filled his screen, all went black. First responders were there immediately, plugging him into their machines for any sign of life, but to no avail. Paddy had gone to that big apple in the sky.
I said a tearful goodbye as they fixed a label to his back and watched helplessly as they took him away.
Patrick was now neatly boxed in a white bag with light grey rope handles nestling next to a detachable magnetic magic keyboard called Maggie. I pondered if either of them could live up to the meticulous standards of Paddy or even get close to replicating my complete affection and attachment to him.
Only time will tell!
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