He watched her retreating figure.
He watched her run with all her might into the distance, toward the family and companions waiting for her at the end of that path.
His eyes were filled with tenderness.
Though I still hate to part with you.
Though I wish so much that I could go with you to find our lost father and mother.
There always comes a time to say goodbye...
But I really am happy.
Since I fell here, I've never been as happy as I am now. I never even imagined I could see my family again.
So I'm truly glad you called me Older Brother, that you spent so long searching for me, and that you were still willing to give such comfort to the jerk who always used to bully you.
He raised his head, his gaze reflecting Lynn at the far end of that path.
Their eyes met.
He saw those eyes fixed steadily on him.
He seemed to finally remember how to smile, and at last, a faint smile, clear and unburdened, appeared on his face.
He held out his hand.
Just as he had always bumped fists firmly with friends his age back then.
It was a gesture of acceptance and friendship.
The corners of Lynn's mouth lifted too. He adjusted his Monocle and extended his hand in the same way, returning the gesture across the distance.
Perhaps they were strangers.
Perhaps they would never meet again.
But like any two ordinary young men, a single glance, a simple introduction, was enough for them to become good friends. No reason was needed.
None...
Lynn's outstretched fist stopped there.
It lingered as though time had frozen, then slowly loosened at last before clenching again with a tremor.
Far away beneath the sky.
Pitch-black motes of