The red glow of the Healing Spell faded completely, and the room was so quiet that even Paul's somewhat rapid breathing could be heard.
As Zenith looked at the familiar people before her, her eyes grew moist. The family she had seen countless times in her dreams was finally reunited with her in reality.
"Zenith!!!"
"I'm not dreaming, am I?"
Paul trembled all over with excitement and slowly stepped toward Zenith, his movements exceedingly careful, afraid this was merely an unreachable dream.
One step, two steps...
He somehow made those few short steps feel like half a century.
At last, he reached the bedside and shakily stretched out a hand, his fingertips touching Zenith's cheek.
It was a little cold.
But the sensation against his fingertips was utterly real, confirming that none of this was false.
Zenith raised her hand as well, gently resting it on the back of Paul's somewhat rough hand.
"It's real. It's really real!"
He suddenly threw his arms around Zenith, holding her tightly with both arms, not daring to let go for even a moment. He buried his entire face against her, his shoulders shaking as tears of emotion streamed down his face.
His reaction was several times more intense than when he had reunited with Radeus and Rudeus earlier.
Paul's grip kept tightening, but he suddenly realized that he might be making Zenith uncomfortable. He restrained the excitement in his heart and eased his hold.
"Darling..."
Zenith tenderly rested her hand on Paul's back and patted it gently, just as she had back in Buena Village, as though nothing had changed.
There had been no Teleportation Incident, no reluctant parting, and no reunion after a long separation. It was as though none of it had existed, like illusory bubbles.
"Mom (Mother)!"
Radeus and Rudeus