John was leaving.
Ariana knew that.
Little Bear knew his owner was feeling down and stayed on the table all day, as though he really were a stuffed toy.
MOSS, with his camera head and bear body, sat beside Little Bear, the red dot in his eye flickering.
At last, he spoke. "Fascinating."
Little Bear moved, turning his head to stare at MOSS with his motionless eyes.
Perhaps he was considering whether to dismantle this annoying camera.
"Are you going back there?" Ariana's voice was dejected.
In front of John, she was always a little girl.
Even after growing up, that had never changed.
Pampered by her parents and older brother, she couldn't bear to see her brother return to that place again.
"Will you stay up there again?"
At her words, John ruffled her soft blond hair and shook his head with a gentle laugh. "No, I'm going back to our home."
Home?
Not here in New York.
Their real home.
The house on Privet Drive, far smaller than this one.
Ariana looked up sharply, her blue eyes filled with delighted surprise.
"You're not going back there?"
"Let's leave that place in peace for a while." John held a finger to his lips. "I have the right to be selfish too, don't I?"
Ariana, who had been so downcast moments before, happily scooped up Little Bear.
MOSS came closer, only to be sent flying by an "accidental" kick from Little Bear.
Little Bear's rule was that no one could compete with him for his owner's love-not even someone born from his own backside.
John had no intention of flying back.
Since the holiday was over,
it was time to return to his usual way of getting around.
"John, can I come visit you?"
Ariana leaned closer. She wasn't really