The trees sway around the circular clearing as a breeze blows through the forest. A jug full of water sits patiently beside a wooden bench, currently occupied by humans. They surround the ring of stones that encircles Fire. The crackle of Fire is drowned out by vibrant conversation. Humans poke and prod at the wood fueling the flames, controlling their every blaze. 

Water speaks first, breaking the comfortable silence. “Does it anger you to constantly feel the power they have over you?”

Fire is startled by the blunt question. “Of course it does, but I have found it tiring to be irritated by something I cannot stop.”

Water answers, “It is a sad truth that we will never have complete power over ourselves.”

Fire responds, agreeing sorrowfully.

Water and Fire talk as the sun disappears behind the horizon. They talk as those humans take out their unique foods and hold them over Fire. They talk as the stars grow brighter and the crickets grow louder. Water tells stories of exciting adventures. Fire listens intently, living each story as if it were one of their own. Eventually, the humans fold up their blankets and pack away their food.

A hand reaches down and grabs the jug of water. Small waves are created as the hand brings it closer to Fire. Droplets tip over the edge of the container, falling to the dirt. The container is held over the hot flames, slowly tipping forward. Time slows.

The flames are facing the end of their short life. “Oh Water, what is it like to live an eternal life, always repurposed back into something new? Every spark lost is something to grieve.”

Water nears the edge. “An ever-changing life is not something to long for, Fire. I have never stayed stationary, not once, and I must constantly watch young souls disappear. I have seen many of your kind in this life. I wish I weren’t the one to put out your light. I hope you know that the guilt and sorrow never escape me, my dear Fire.”

The small stream of water leaves the tip of the jug nearing the first flames. “I would rather experience the life of many forms than know that this one ends so soon. I mourn for a life I won’t experience, making this one unenjoyable. I suffer through every second knowing my existence is controlled by those who made me. I am never safe or truly happy, Water. That is something you might never understand.”

The tallest flame retreats as the water grazes it. “I, too, am at the mercy of nature. Though I will never know what it is like to live a life aware that it could end at any moment, I sympathize with your pain. I wish it didn’t have to end. I wish I wasn’t the one drowning your spark. I am truly sorry, Fire.”

The stream of water is falling towards the flames that are quickly losing their glow. “I don’t want to disappear knowing I caused you shame and agony. It was never your fault. It is my time now, Water. I will forever be grateful that I spent my short life with you.”

The water douses the flames quickly, smoke rising from the ash. Sparks go out as the water seeps through the soil, fostering new life. Repurposed into something new and ever-changing. A boot stomps a surviving spark as the atmosphere becomes dark once again.