Finally! Selena is coming home! Me and Rafael decided to wait for her at the airport, so we took the train to get there. We are excited and happy. We would talk continuously if the view wouldn’t distract us. The train is travelling in the mountains, so you can see the whole village from here. It is a pretty small village, but a very beautiful one. I can see all the parks, full of colourful flowers, and all the houses. There aren’t many blocks. Maybe five at most. A river is flowing through the middle of the village, and small wooden bridges connect the two sides. The mountains around the place are like its guardians, protecting it from everything.

“You know, at first, it didn’t feel like home, but now it does.” Rafael says.

“I’m happy to hear that!” I say.

“Oh! Actually! I have something for you! For all the nice memories you gave me at your house a few weeks ago! And for helping me yesterday! Here!”

He hands me a beautiful watch. It has a silver casing. Its small hands are elegantly stylised and moving slowly. I have always been fascinated by watches. They are such small and interesting pieces of art. I put it on my arm. It is such a nice gift!

“Thank you! I love it!” I say happily and hug him.

He blushes and smiles.

“I’m so happy you like it!”

“Oh! I didn’t even give you the white chocolate I bought for you!” I say, now remembering that I forgot.

“There really was no need to…” he starts, but I interrupt him.

“Well, I also have a surprise!”

I take my hand from the window, revealing Feathers, who’s looking curiously at the view.

“Is that Feathers?!” he asks excitedly. “I always looked for her at your house, but I never saw her.”

“Well, that is because I always took her in the living room when you came. I thought seeing her sick would have saddened you. But now she’s back in full health!” I say happily.

“Oh, that is so sweet! Yeah, you’re right, it would have saddened me!”

He chuckles a bit. After that, the two of us look at Feathers and joke around some more. It was half an hour to the airport, so it wasn’t that long of a trip. The moment we arrive, we run towards the terminal. Feathers is flying right behind us. My scarf is flying in the wind. It feels really liberating. At the entrance, we can already see her.

“Selena!” I shout after her, and then the two of us throw ourselves at her for a big hug.

“We missed you!” Rafael says.

“I think that’s kind of obvious!” I say while laughing.

“I missed you too!” Selena says. “Oh! And here is your manga, Rafael. I also bought one for you, Noah. I won’t accept any payment that is not a hug!” she says very seriously.

“Thank you!” we say together, then hug her even tighter.

“We’re so happy you’re back!” I add.

“I’m glad to be back too! Never thought I’d be away from home for so long. Speaking of which, let’s go home!”

And, with that, we return to the train, which, happily for us, didn’t leave immediately. We showed Feathers to her and her parents. Selena takes a photo of the small bird and then one of the whole group. After that, she tells us all about her adventures in Japan. It sounds so cool. She promises that next time she’ll take us too! So that’s awesome! When we arrive back home, we all hug again for goodbye, happy to be reunited.