My heart sang and sank in the same moment.

“You’re leaving me, then?”

“I’ll be inside.” He put his hand on my chest. “And I’ll give you instructions to show you the way.” He reached into his robe pocket, pulled out a big blue senaba, and handed it to me. “I made this for you.”

“The place you said you’re building for me … what will it be like?”

“A home made just for you. You’ll like it.” He smiled. “I know how to build.” He drew me to himself in a strong embrace.

I didn’t blink, didn’t move, didn’t speak for fear anything I did might end the moment. It was the moment for which I was made. I was embracing the truth I sought, the meaning I desired, the home I’d always yearned for.

Suddenly I felt his firm hug relax. He was gone. At least, I couldn’t see him.

But through a portal in the air I saw a gathering on the other side. Hundreds of people were dressed in party garb, while dozens of great warriors served them delicacies, including plates of deep blue, sliced senaba, juice dripping off the sides. They engaged in a great celebration. Then the Woodsman in his white robe joined them. I heard applause and laughter and saw toasts and festivity, abundant rejoicing. I wondered the cause for their revelry. It was then I realized they were all looking at me.

The portal closed and they disappeared. But though I couldn’t see or hear it, I knew the party continued. My party—Nick Seagrave was the cause for celebration!

He’d come to me so I could come to him. I lifted the senaba to my mouth and took a big bite. The dark juice flowed down my cheeks, and I felt like a child, not caring about the stains on my shirt—just savoring the flavor, better than anything I’d ever tasted before.

I heard something, then turned and looked at a great waterfall a hundred yards away—at its bottom, in a river, people were playing and diving and splashing and laughing. I ran the hundred yards, through an open meadow, in what seemed mere seconds, stretching my legs and flailing my arms. I knelt down beside the river and opened my mouth, then splashed cold, clear water into it.

For the first time in my life, my thirst was fully satisfied. I ran and dove into the pool under the waterfall, cool and refreshing, opening my eyes and mouth, relishing every moment.

Still underwater, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see bright eyes that were familiar yet different—Quon! We hugged each other and surfaced together. I looked into his eyes, filled with joy where I’d last seen hopelessness. We laughed together, then cried together. We swam to Malaiki and Victoria and hugged them too.