Within the dimly lit tomb of Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep, manicurists to the King, a scarab beetle named Khepri spent his last day in contemplative solitude. Known to ancient Egyptians as a symbol of transformation and rebirth, the scarab was revered - khepri, however felt anything but revered, tired from a life of cleaning up after the mess everything else seemed to make. But, this was their place - and there was a certain contentment in that.

This particular day was special, the sunlight seeped in through the tiny crevices of the tomb, aligning with carved and painted image of the two men in a pose normally reserved for married couples.

Khepri sensed a change in energy and knew their time was near. They climbed over the carved figures, thinking of their namesake god, Khepri, the scarab-headed deity linked with dawn and creation, and also transformations, and wondered what might come next?

Their tiny legs skittered one final time as they came to rest on Niankhkhnum's shoulder, nestling into the space under Khnumhotep's embracing thumb - sensing the ebb and flow of time, as well as the impermanence of life and transfer of matter from one state to another.

His shell glinted for a brief moment before he became still,
forever.

As Khepri's spirit lingered in the tomb, he felt a strange sense of peace. The sunlight streaming in seemed to connect him to the world outside, a reminder of the cycle of life he had always been a part of. Khepri felt a sense of unity with the universe, understanding that even in his small life, he had played a significant role. He may not have been manicurist to the King, but he knew his role was no less important. And after all, he was sharing his resting place with those that had been.