"I'm going," Javier said softly, his voice firm but gentle.
"Be careful, young master…" Liana's voice trembled as her eyes began to glisten. She tried to smile, but her lips quivered.
Gloria stepped forward slightly, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "Please be safe," she said in her usual calm, slow voice—though this time, it carried a weight of quiet emotion.
Felicia stood tall, arms crossed, but her voice betrayed her true feelings. "Come back to us."
"I will," Javier replied.
Then he turned and shouted, "Buddy!"
Cuquawked!! Buddy squawked loudly, dashing over with familiar energy.
Javier climbed up swiftly onto Buddy's back and looked at the girls once more from atop the mount. His gaze was steady.
"Remember what I said," he reminded them, one last time.
The wind blew gently as Buddy took his stance, ready for departure. The three girls stood in silence, watching the young master ride off.
"All right, Buddy! Let's go! Dash!!"
Cuquawked!!
