Nina gently patted Leah's back.
"Where there is meeting, there will always be parting. Don't be too sad. Perhaps one day, we'll see each other again."
Though she spoke lightly, her own heart ached. A faint mist shimmered in her eyes.
"Mm…" Leah replied in a muffled voice, trying not to cry.
"Nina, everything's packed. We're ready to leave," Mino said as he walked over.
Nina slowly loosened her embrace and looked at Leah.
"I'm going now. Goodbye. Please say farewell to Bibi, Minnie, and Aji for me."
"Goodbye, Nina…"
Leah bit her lip hard, holding back the tears threatening to spill.
Nina gave her one last reluctant wave, then climbed onto Mino's back with Yinny in her arms. She turned for a final glance at Leah before patting Mino's shoulder.
They left.
Leah stood there watching Nina's figure grow smaller and smaller until it vanished entirely. Only then did she sink to her knees, hugging herself as sobs broke free.
Nina… goodbye.
***
