When it was finally time to leave, a soft heaviness settled over the group. The glowing palace lights shimmered across the water, sending gentle waves of blue rippling over the children as they gathered near the turtle bus. Kelpie stood a little apart from the others, his eyes already turning glassy with the tears he was struggling so hard to hold back.
Rocky could not take it anymore. He rushed forward and wrapped his small, stone-warm arms around Kelpie with all the strength his tiny body could offer.
"I miss you," Rocky mumbled into Kelpie's shoulder, his voice trembling just a little.
Kelpie's face crumpled instantly. "Me too," he whispered as he hugged him back tightly.
When they finally pulled apart, one of Kelpie's attendants stepped forward holding a small shiny pouch.
Kelpie wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, sniffed once, and held the pouch out shyly. "Rocky… inside there are pebbles I collected. I… I thought you would like them."
