Edward and Benny: An Unlikely Friendship
When I was a little girl growing up in Plymouth, not so far from the sea, I cherished the stories my grandmother told me. Her favorite tale was about an old sailor named Edward who, under the most incredible circumstances, found friendship in the unlikeliest of creatures - a whale. Edward wasn’t any sailor but a lighthouse keeper, vigilantly guiding ships ashore with his lusting light. His lighthouse stood tall and proud, acting as Plymouth's dazzling beacon, cutting through the fog and darkness. It was a lonely job, miles away from the nearest town.
Edward, being a man of the sea and solitude, found peace in his lighthouse where he was shielded away from the bustling town's noise. His only companion was a buoyant blue whale, whom he whimsically named Benny.
Every morning, as the dawn broke over the horizon, Edward would wave at Benny from atop his tower, watching still the hushed encroachment of sunlight on the sea and the silhouette of his gargantuan friend. While Benny would splash his humongous tail fluke in response, announcing the arrival of another fine day in Plymouth.
Edward would then get down from his lighthouse to the small beach adjoining it. And he'd sing an old sea shanty, a call that echoed across the tranquil waves. Fascinatingly, Benny seemed to understand these songs, his huffs of spray being his applause and response.
Over time, the solitary seaman and the titanic sea creature established an extraordinary bond. Benny became his confidant and friend. Edward would share tales of his younger days spent sailing the vast seas while Benny would listen attentively, his eyes glinting under the moonlight as waves gently lapped against his colossal body.
One unfortunate day, Edward slipped and fell on the winding staircase of the lighthouse, injuring his leg. Struggling in pain, he couldn’t make it to his spot to wave at Benny or sing his shanty.
Back in the sea, Benny noticed Edward's absence. After waiting for his wave and his melodious song, Benny decided to investigate. He meandered closer to the lighthouse and saw Edward agonizingly attempting to climb the stairs.
With a swift and vigorous swing of his tail, Benny created a gargantuan wave that was powerful enough to reach Edward's lighthouse. On top of this giant wave rode Hattie, the local physician who was out early for her morning swim.
In the commotion, Hattie discovered the injured Edward and quickly summoned help. Benny, triumphant, retreated back to the sea, blowing a celebratory gush of water from his blowhole.
Edward made a full recovery, and following this event, Benny was regarded as the Guardian Whale of Plymouth. The townsfolk, who earlier rarely stepped out of their homes after sundown, began to visit the lighthouse after dusk in hopes of sighting Benny.
Everyone loved Benny, but no one more than Edward. Their incredible friendship was the beacon of hope that lit Plymouth, just like the lighthouse that stood tall beside the sea.
Tales of their companionship endured throughout generations, connecting the town of Plymouth and its people in a unique bond of friendship and fondness towards Benny and Edward. This incredible bond shaped the Plymouth we all know and adore today; a town that admires and reveres the sea creatures that live and thrive around its shores. A town that calls Benny the legend, the Guardian Whale of Plymouth.