He’d never even locked the door when he left. 

It swung open with only the slight resistance of too much dust gathered in the hinges, and a musty smell filled his nose, like butterfly milk turned sour. The scent moved lazily—after all, what need for haste was there? No one had lived here for almost a year now. There was no one left to impress. 

The cottage was mostly empty, he’d taken everything with him when he left. To be honest, the majority of it wound up in the trash. Only in a small corner did a few items remain. A frying pan, a blanket. A jar of hot chocolate mix. A map. Perhaps some small part of The Once-ler had hoped his old visitors would find the gifts—that they would return at all—but none had. Most had left the valley same as he, moving on to new places, brighter skies. Nothing would ever be the same, and he knew that. But once in awhile, he’d remember their faces. Every now and then, that old scent would fill his nose.

Eh heh…I bet you folks don’t even remember me. The valley’s been a quiet place nowadays, just me and the critters, but I can’t say I mind it to much. There’s plenty to do, after all the demand of Thneeds is one thing that will never fall! 

Even so…

Mustache won’t admit it. The critters don’t care much, they’re happy as long as they’ve got a pancake or two in their bellies. But I won’t say I don’t miss everything that went on around here. Ryio and all her kind help, those funny little elves, Green’s company…heck, even Billboard’s creepy trees and that weirdo doctor. Mom always tries to convince me that you have to give some things up for the good of others, but I’ll never forget all that. I hope everyone is well. Some of you were a real pain in the Barbaloot butt, but…..we had some good times. So thanks for that. 

Uh—-not you again. Go away. I still do not need your help, weirdo!

Is that you, wittle doggie? I kinda do miss you, I guess! Even though I never have really figured out where you came from. But yeah, it’s perfectly safe to come out now. It’s …been pretty quiet around here, in case you haven’t noticed. I’m not really sure where everyone went off to, but they’re not here.

I beg your pardon? Just what do you mean by old? I’ve been here in this particular valley for quite some time, that’s for sure, but I’m only 19. Maybe not a spring chicken anymore, but not an old goose either!

I admit I’m a little confused, you mean I know you but you don’t know me? Ha, I’m just joking with you…I guess. I’m the Once-ler, pleased to make your…re acquaintance?

Aren’t you just the most adorable thing! I haven’t seen a dog anywhere around here recently though, I’m sorry…what does he look like?

I..believe so, yes! How do you do?

Well, naturally it always take awhile to find the one special thing you look for all your life….but when you finally do…man, is it worth it.

Um…I..I’m flattered…b..but I’m really quite busy with my work. Married to it, I guess you could say. We have to keep biggering, and for a company to grow you have to give it all the attention you can!