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123 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2002
Anakin had worried that Obi-Wan did not have room for him in his heart.
But Shimi’s smile rose in Anakin’s mind. Hearts have infinite room, my son.
He wasn't feeling jealous of Qui-Gon, Anakin told himself. It wasn't that. He had loved Qui-Gon, too. Something else was bothering him about his Master's preoccupation. Maybe it was because he was still envious of their relationship. Obi-Wan had taken Anakin on as his Padawan with reluctance. Anakin had always sensed that. Qui-Gon had believed in him, and Qui-Gon's belief had influenced Obi- Wan. How could Obi-Wan ignore his beloved Master's dying wish?
[...] Anakin too had always felt honored to be Obi-Wan's Padawan. But why? Anakin suddenly wondered. Obi-Wan did not choose me. Today, for the first time, Anakin saw the difference. Then a new thought pierced his heart. Had Obi-Wan brought him here as a desperate act, to develop a closeness he did not feel?
Perhaps he would never have a Master-Padawan relationship as deep and trusting as Obi-Wan had with Qui-Gon. Perhaps Obi- Wan kept his as a Padawan in order to fulfill a dying wish. But maybe it didn't matter how it happened.
He should not focus on what he didn't have. He had this. This was his. And that was something. He would work hard. He would be a great Padawan. And Obi-Wan would come to love him. He would make him do so.
But why? Anakin suddenly wondered. Obi-Wan did not choose me.
Today, for the first time, Anakin saw the difference.
Then a new thought pierced his heart. Had Obi-Wan brought him here as a desperate act, to develop a closeness he did not feel?
“I am saying goodbye to a being that I did not know,” Obi-Wan said softly.
The reverence in his tone surprised Anakin. “He could have killed you.”
“Yet he did not. There is always a need to grief when a being dies, Padawan. Qui-Gon taught me that.”