The older man stepped back at the tremendous change in my physique.

Had I control over my face, I would have smiled again. Yet, my limbs felt still and leaden again; a suffocating, albeit familiar sensation.

Dennis, however, seemed unfazed – despite the threads of illness drifting about him, I could sense a powerful will to live within him, and silently praised the boy.

He would need it in times to come.

The tombstone was cold, and I felt the chill spreading through my previously warm body.

The headstone was intricately carved in granite – no easy feat, considering that humans had less than a quarter of the artistic qualities and equipment my people possessed.

With a small twinge of defeat, I realized that I was now a part of the lavish design.

Now, I had reverted to just another creation for human eyes to slide carelessly over.

I was something that would make them shiver, or leave a flower behind in respect.

It would eventually wither, like all things.

Strangely, I felt at peace.

I wonder why.