Abe was near the river's edge, sitting on some smooth rocks. He would occasionally throw rocks across the river and see how many times they skip before drowning. Jalin watched him. He stood next to Abe, wondering what he was thinking. The car ride to the park, Gaddis City Park, had been quiet for the humans. Salvia and he had exchanged a few comments, but the atmosphere of the car made them stop. Once they arrived, Angelica called Salvia in a settle voice to come with her. Abe had understood what was going on and took the curious Jalin away. Another rock Abe threw hopped seven times before going into the water.

"Jalin?"

Jalin faced Abe, concerned about the serious tone he gave. All fear washed aside when a smile cracked across the human's face.

"You did good. I can only imagine the hell you went through to get here."

"I'm not sure I would call it that," squawked Jalin.

Abe faced Jalin.

"You're probably wondering where's Angelica and Salvia. Well, I guess she's saying her final goodbyes."

Abe slightly smirked.

"Saying goodbye to a daughter is never easy."

"Daughter?" wondered Jalin. "A human can't birth a bird. That…goes against nature."

"From what Angelica told me, she took care of Salvia. She raised that bird into the bird you see today. I'm not sure what happened that caused Salvia to separate from Blu and Jewel, but it was great that she found herself in the hands of Angelica. Otherwise, she wouldn't be alive."

Jalin sighed. He looked down at the ground, remembering why Salvia was separated from her parents. It was because of him and his siblings. Out of jealously, no, stupidity, they cast Salvia away. The last image they saw of her as a chick was as the truck faded away from their sights. He only wished to go back and stop those events, but what happen happened. The only thing he could do was make a better future. However, that proved to be impossible. He was lonely after Elena broke up with him. He would fly around Rio, yearning for a mate, but he never found one. If Abe hadn't arrived with Salvia back to Rio, none of this would've happened. Jalin walked up to Abe and rubbed his head against Abe's waist, like what a cat would do to its master. Abe smiled.

"I don't know what I did…but you're welcome, Jalin."

Jalin stopped and looked up at Abe. He squawked.

"I don't speak bird, but you're probably wondering what would happen tomorrow. Well, we board the plane at ten, so we need to be there by eight. Tonight, I need to buy travel cages for you and Salvia. We'll be in Rio soon enough. Tulio will meet us there and take us to the sanctuary to check Salvia before releasing her with you. Don't know if your parents will be there though."

Jalin squawked again and pointed in the direction where the car was parked. Abe thought about it and realized it was Angelica's car. He shook his head.

"This is the reason why we are here. She isn't coming."


Angelica and Salvia sat in a bench along the concreted pathway of the park. They sat in silence, just admiring the view. The green-leafed trees, the air, and the river passing by were so breathtaking. A morning jogger ran pass them. Angelica smiled and faced Salvia.

"Salvia?"

Salvia looked up at Angelica.

"Well, this is it, girl. You found a man…bird."

Salvia squawked. Angelica stroked her back smoothly.

"You know, when you came in, you were beauty and mysterious. Of course, you still are beautiful, but I learned some things about you that make you not mysterious, but unique."

She slightly chuckled.

"I remember that I was running late for work. I finished my cereal, but I left the milk in the bowl. After I finished fixing my hair, I ran back to the kitchen to get my coffee, only to see you bathing in the bowl. Of course, I took another one for the photo album."

She paused to remember.

"How about that guy I was dating? The first time you saw him, you pecked him in the eye. The jerk did deserve for later on. I always believe that you were trying to protect me from that guy. Because I broke up with him, I became a veterinarian."

Angelica looked out at the scenery and sighed in bliss.

"Yep. Those were the days."

Salvia squawked.

"Yes?" asked Angelica, facing the macaw.

Salvia stared at Angelica, like if she was talking to her telepathically. Angelica felt the question on the tip of the bird's tongue. That look was enough to get the message through though.

"I can't go. That's why we're here."

There was a pause.

"Salvia…this is my goodbye to you."

Salvia walked over and rubbed her master's waist with her head. Angelica petted her head.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

A squawk was heard. Angelica faced Salvia with water eyes.

"Yeah," she said, not trying to cry. "I'll be fine. And you'll be fine too. I mean, Jalin is a very handsome bird for you."

Salvia shyly looked down.

"And I bet you will have chicks soon."

Salvia blushed.

"They'll be beautiful I bet."

Angelica took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"Jalin really loves you, and I know you have the same feelings for him to. I don't want to get in-between that, Salvia. Your first home was Rio. You were born there, but somehow, you ended up here. Salvia, you belong in Rio. That's your home."

Salvia shook her head.

"I got two homes," she squawked. "One's in Rio, and the other is here."

"If I could only understand bird," she said, "but that's alright. I can tell by your look, and you're probably right… Hey you want to go back to the house for old time sakes."

Salvia squawked and flew up her shoulder. They left the bench and walked through the park.


"So, you think they're done?" asked Abe.

Jalin shrugged.

"Well, one thing I know about girls is that they like to take their time. Have been married for a few years now. Every time Diana says in five minutes when I'm ready, I sit down on the couch, turn on the television, and see a full episode of "Supernatural" before she's ready."

Jalin squawked.

"Yeah, you're probably right, if you're saying it varies from person to person."

Soon, both heard a car being turned on. The gas pedal was figured to be pushed down since it sounded like the car was taking off. Abe and Jalin faced each other.

"You don't think they forgot about us?"

After a second of thought, both scrambled to their feet. Jalin took off flying as Abe started running.