The "Only Murders" Question

Season four, episode eight, the sensational Griffin Dunne asks the most poignant and beautiful question of all time. The sort of question that leaves the answer-er vulnerable and open. One that will tell you all you need to know about them, simply by their reply. The question?

If your life were a movie, what would be your happy ending?

I am 82, in excellent health, with a strong body that gets me where I want to go. I have been a moderately successful author for nearly 30 years. I own a small home, which I designed, on a secluded plot of land in Chester County, Pennsylvania. My partner in life and love for almost three decades is also an illustrator for many of my stories. He and I, on a whim, plan a trip to Yellowstone. We are hoping to be inspired by nature to write and draw, respectively, a whole new story together. We rent a small cabin where we FaceTime and text our nieces and nephews, email photos of our trip to dear friends and talk of having a wonderful repeat of last year's holiday gathering. As we hold hands on the porch and watch the sun set in the distance, looking up at the stars beginning to appear, the long overdue Yellowstone Caldera erupts and we are killed instantaneously. No long, drawn out illness, no cancer diagnoses, no falls that result in multiple broken bones, no loss of memory and mind, and especially no loss of dignity and self. We are happy, bananas in love with one another, successful, kind, generous, and self-actualized people that lead decent lives. We created a legacy of stories and art that made the lives of so many children just a bit better. While on this planet, we felt fulfilled; we lead lives of joy and promoted a positive way of life that encouraged others to walk in kindness.   

What more could anyone ask for in life?