She is the little girl I once was. -- Little Odai grabbed on to her leg. -- I found her in the cave. She was lost, playing as I once used to play, her heart full of hopes... full of dreams, with a great desire to live... but trapped in the past... -- her voice cracked again and the tears flowed uncontrollably.

Don’t cry, Odai -- said the little girl with the sweetest voice I had ever heard, clinging to her leg and leaning her rosy cheek against the Princess’ thigh. -- You found me and that makes me really happy. To be with you again takes away everything I have ever suffered. Besides, you made me a promise.

Yes, I did -- sobbed Odai, crying uncontrollably. She leaned down to the little girl’s height and looked her directly in the eyes. -- Forgive me if I’ve left you alone, forgive me for having forgotten you, forgive me if I let you be harmed and scared, I never meant to lock you up in the tower, I never meant to take away your freedom, I never meant to abandon you in The Cave of the Past. But you will never be alone again, my dear child, because I will always be with you. We have so many unfinished dreams, dear Odai, and this time... I swear, I promise that I will make them come true for you.

The little girl just looked at her, with tears in her eyes and a great big smile on her little, innocent face. She held the Princess tightly.

Thank you, Odai. I love you!

I don’t know how long the embrace lasted, but both of them were crying tears of happiness, joy and excitement; no one dared to interrupt them in such an extraordinary moment.

Pia started to sing again. There are no words to describe that voice. As she sang, little Odai slowly became a being of light and, as if this were totally normal, entered the Princess’ body, who couldn’t stop crying, but at the same time was smiling as if high on one of the most wonderful of emotions. The little girl became pure light and we heard her voice for the last time.

Never forget me. I will live forever in your heart. -- And as she said this, she disappeared into the Princess’ chest.

Pia was still singing. It was dark now and the night was full of stars. There was a full moon, big and round that was shining brighter than ever, lighting up the little clearing in the forest where Princess Odai was uncontrollably crying tears of overwhelming joy.

And this is NOT THE END!

12

The Princess was leaning down, her hair hanging over her face. She had stopped crying.

Pia stopped singing and disappeared. The Princess raised her head. Her face had completely changed; you could see happiness in her eyes and a certain peace that was never there before.