It had been a very challenging and rough year for Pinocchio and Geppetto at first, but after the events that transpired during Pinocchio's runaway and then culminating with the death of Stromboli and Honest John's incarceration, things started improving. The final piece of truly mending the relationship as far as they were concerned was Pinocchio rebuilding the destroyed music box. From there on out, Geppetto had bettered himself as a father as well. And Pinocchio, though he missed most of his days at school, he was enjoying his summer vacation holidays spending them with his father, Jiminy, Figaro, and Cleo. Often, he went to play with Lampwick too since they had become friends after they saved each other from Stromboli. One summer evening, after a day at the lake together, Geppetto asked Pinocchio a question.
"Son, I appreciate how much you help me out sometimes. But, would you mind also being something of an apprentice for my business too? I think it's official. This summer, we'll be calling the shop, Geppetto and Son's."
Geppetto than sang out,
And son,
That's the addendum
That always should end a man's name
And son, Now that I say it,
Or proudly display it,
It's done by Geppetto and son.
They both then sang the song in the form of a duet.
And son,
Life is misspent till
You make things parental
Your aim.
It's grand, son.
Who else could laugh as much?
Have even half as much fun as Geppetto and son?!
Pinocchio was excited by the prospect of him and Geppetto officially turning the shop into a family business. It kept him entertained and less bored over the summer. Jiminy was pleased to know Pinocchio actually wanted to be more helpful by doing this.
"I think it's a swell opportunity, Pinoke," he said to him. "Why I bet your own mother would be proud. This reminds me, I was looking at this picture of her, and I remembered something. I may have met her once."
"You did?" Pinocchio's eyes raised at this question.
"Yeah. Once. When she was a little girl."
A flashback occurred in Jiminy's mind.
"It was a long time ago when I was young. And it was several years after my parents died. My sister and I were searching for food. And we were separated running for our lives."
Jiminy was escaping from a spider, but he was caught in the web. Squirming for his life, he almost made it worse, as the spider closes in on him about to make him his next meal, a sudden foot flew down and smashed the spider. It was a young girl around 8. As she finished off the creature, she knelt down to the web and helped Jiminy out.
"You poor little thing," she said. "Are you alright? Shame on a nasty little monster like him preying on a poor helpless creature like you."
"Well, thank you very much for saving my life, young Miss.
"Francesca. My name is Francesca. Why! you can talk!"
"Yes, I can. Pardon me for not introducing myself. The name is cricket. J. Cricket. You can call me Jiminy. Can you help me get back to my sister? We got separated when the spider chased us."
"She did just that," the present-day Jiminy said describing the events to Pinocchio.
Francesca and Jiminy talked about each other until they found Jiminy and Josephine's little twig house and he thanked her for helping him out.
"I hope we meet again someday, Jiminy."
"Even if we don't, Francesca. I might find a way to repay you. So long."
Jiminy's mind came back to the present.
"I had no idea at the time, that I would be looking after her own son years later. I was pretty certain there was something familiar about your father when I came in that night when you first mentioned his name because she did mention him. Took me quite a while to put all the pieces together and now it seems I have. If I'm not mistaken I believe the spot we met with the very forest where your parents played when they were children where your mother is buried."
Pinocchio had a sudden realization.
"Then why she modeled my doll after you," he said. "It wasn't a coincidence at all. It was a memory. She remembered you from when she was a girl and modeled the doll after you."
"It seems that way, Pinoke. I guess in a way I was able to posthumously repay her by helping look after her son."
"Then I guess it was fate that brought us together us, huh?"
"Yeah. Sure was."
Soon, the summer holidays reached their end, but Pinocchio was happy to be going back to school for his second year with his friends. Sometimes he even agreed to help tutor Lampwick. Lampwick, though still causing some trouble at least learned his lessons from before. He did realize he and Pinocchio were sort of like having to have been raised by only one parent each. The only difference being that one abandoned the spouse with the child, and the other was dead.
One day as they were walking home together, they had a chat over it.
"Sometimes I wonder what happened to my father," Lampwick said. "But after everything I've been through I realized my mom is better off without him given what I've heard about him."
"At least you have a mother. I didn't think I could ever be like any other boy seeing as mine has been dead all my life. But you know, Even though I never got to know her, I know that deep down she already loved me. Father said she always will."
"I got to tell you, Pinocchio. Your old man, he's pretty much to me kind of like the father I never had."
"That's a nice thing of you to say, Lampy. I gotta go. My father should have lunch ready by now. See you later."
Pinocchio went into the house and waved bye to his friend. Later that evening, as Pinocchio went to wash for supper, Jiminy and Geppetto had a talk in the workshop.
"Did it ever occur to you, Mr. Geppetto that part of the reason Pinocchio's been doing so well with things especially helping you out is that he is certain the blue fairy will grant his wish to bring his mother back to him if he does good things?"
"Yes, Jiminy. I think it has. Do you really think that's possible?"
"Maybe. It's the one thing he wanted most all of his life. I'll bet you probably didn't believe it when you were young. About a wish coming true?"
"Well, I wasn't sure at first," said Geppetto. "But for a long time, I did wish for a child of my own. Particularly a son. That wish was granted to me so long ago the day he was born. I was so relieved when Dr. Collodi told me he was going to live. But I never thought the kind of wish of bringing back someone from the dead was the kind that would come true. But I guess maybe I do have a bit of hope that maybe his wish can come true now. I DO want him to believe after all."
"I just spoke with the blue fairy the other night while he was asleep," Jiminy said. "He's been doing so well, but he's proving himself capable of such a thing. But if she can do it for him it's probably only gonna be for one day. How do you think he's going to be able to handle that when she has gone away again?"
"He's probably going to be emotional over it but I'm going to allow it. I can't force him to hold back his emotions anymore. he's just a boy still. But at least he'll probably be a little more mature over it even with some emotion," Geppetto said. "In any case, I'm sure even if it's just for one day he'll happy to see her. I would be too."
That's the spirit," Jiminy told him. " Just believe as he does. I think there is a little bit of hope that she'll come for him. But I think we better not tell him."
"Why?" Geppetto asked.
"So, that we don't raise his hopes up too high in case it doesn't happen. You and he have already been through so much. Why it seems, I practically came when you two were in a desperate time with each other."
"Jiminy, I'm glad you and Pinocchio befriended each other that night. And I appreciate how much you've looked out for him, sometimes even better than I have myself. But you showed me the way how to be a better father and these last 6 months, I've been doing just that with your guidance.
With that said, Geppetto went off to prepare dinner.
Months later, in the winter, Geppetto and Pinocchio worked together to prepare all the toys being made to be sold. Christmas was, of course, Geppetto's busiest time of year. Pinocchio was of course happy to be of help. He was so kind to the customers and did his chores and tasks without question.
When the villagers saw how well they were together, they saw Geppetto like before as a loving caring father.
On a very snowy and lovely Christmas Eve, just after dinner, Pinocchio gave something to Geppetto. Three wooden figurines, one of a man and a woman dancing. And in the center was a child.
"Pinocchio, is that your mother and I?" he asked. "And the little boy there. Is that….you?"
"Yes, father," Pinocchio said. "It's all of us. If she were with us."
"How did you make this?" Geppetto asked him.
"I learned from watching you. It's your Christmas present."
"Oh, Pinocchio. It's beautiful. But the greatest I could ever have for any Christmas is you."
With a smile and a tear, Geppetto wrapped his arm around Pinocchio lovingly.
"You are such a special boy. The most special boy in the world."
Later that evening as he putting Pinocchio to bed, Geppetto spoke gently to him.
"Pinocchio, the day you were born, even though I grieved heavily for your mother, I was so happy to have you. You have always been my greatest treasure since then."
"Do you think if she were here right now? She would be happy to see us?" Pinocchio asked as he held his old cricket doll close by.
"I'm sure she would be, son. She would be." Geppetto said as he kissed the boy's forehead. "Do you remember where you got this bear as well?"
"I do," Pinocchio said. "That was from you. I was just a baby when you gave that to me. It was my first Christmas, right?"
"Yes, Pinocchio. It was. I still wish your mother was there with us in person. But I think she was there in spirit.
"Did she want me as much as you did? She knew how much wanting a child meant to you, didn't she?"
"Yes, Pinocchio. Your mother loved me because I loved her. And she shared my dream of being a parent. Before you were even born, we loved you so much with all our hearts. She gave her life to save you, Pinocchio. I couldn't let that be for nothing. That's why I couldn't do what my father did, Pinocchio. I couldn't leave you. I promised her."
As Geppetto patted his head and said good night, he walked off as Pinocchio watched. Then, Jiminy hopped over.
"Beautiful night, isn't it, Pinoke?"
"Yeah, Jiminy. It is. I think maybe since I've done so well, This might be it. I might get what I've always wanted. Maybe she'll come."
"Well, here's hoping. But don't be too disappointed if not. Just remember, no matter what, your mother is always with you in spirit, pal. Good night, Pinoke."
"Good night, Jiminy," Pinocchio said as Jiminy went back to his dollhouse. But as he did, Pinocchio didn't fall asleep just yet. He went to the window and knelt as he prayed to the stars above. Particularly for the shiniest one, speaking to the blue fairy.
"Because I've been so good this year, after everything I went through, I don't want any ordinary presents," he said.
"I want something extra special, blue fairy. Like you promised me. I love my father. And everything he does for me. But I was wondering since I've been extra good this year as I promised, could I please see my mother? I'll never want another thing, ever. I just want my mother. I know it won't be tonight...but promise me I can see her again. Sometime. Anytime. Even if it's just once and only for a few minutes. I need to tell her I love her even though I never knew her. And maybe it would make father happy too."
Pinocchio climbed back into his bed and covered himself up in the sheets holding his old cricket doll close with his teddy bear on the side of the pillow. As he fell fast asleep feeling warm and cozy, he smiled in thoughts. Hoping for sure.
The next morning on Christmas Day, Pinocchio jumped out of bed and raced downstairs. Only to find an empty living room filled with presents under a tree. Pinocchio felt disappointed. He had hoped for sure he'd finally have it. His heart's greatest desire. But alas. Once again, not to be. Or so he thought. For behind him was a woman's voice.
"Dearest, Pinocchio," she said kindly. "You have given so much happiness to your father, you deserve to have a wish come true. Turn around and you shall see."
He did. His eyes widened. His jaw dropped. His heart rose. A feeling of surprise flew through his body. He knew who this was. She had lovely black hair, fair skin, and beautiful green eyes.
"Hello, Pinocchio," the woman said. "My little baby, my darling son, Pinocchio."
"Mama," Pinocchio whispered with a gasp.
It was Francesca. His mother.
"MAMA!" He screamed happily.
With as much joy as he felt in his heart, he ran up to her and hugged her. And in return, she wrapped her arms around. A feeling he had long wished for all his life, to be held in his mother's arms, he was finally feeling it for the first time.
"I've been waiting for this moment for so long," he said crying with tears of joy.
Francesca rubbed his head and cradled him.
"I missed you so much," He cried struggling to hold back his happy tears.
"I never left you, sweetheart. I've always been with you," she said looking at him drying his tears.
"Oh, Pinocchio. Look at you. You've grown so well. You look so handsome."
"Oh, mom. I have so much to tell you. I…" suddenly Pinocchio was cut off when he heard Geppetto's voice.
"Pinocchio, I heard you shouting," Geppetto said. "Is everything….?" Geppetto started asking as he cut himself off. His jaw dropped.
"Can it be? Francesca?! Is this real?"
"It is, Geppetto. My dear Geppetto," Francesca said as she turned to him.
Geppetto ran to her and embraced her as she returned the hug.
"Oh, Francesca. My love. How I've missed you," he said.
Pinocchio looked up and walked over.
"I told you she would come back! See? I told you," he said to Geppetto.
"You were right, Pinocchio. Wishes do come true!" Geppetto said as he knelt down and hugged Pinocchio. Francesca joined in too. The whole embrace became one big group hug.
They all heard a happy meow and turned to see Figaro.
"A cat? Geppetto, You got a kitty?! He's so cute!"
"Mom, this is Figaro. Father found him on the streets and brought him in one day when I was a baby. He was my first friend."
Francesca gave Figaro a nice petting at which Figaro smiled.
"Pinocchio, he's so sweet. Such a cute little kitty."
Figaro let out a happy meow. And then, they introduced Francesca to Cleo. For the first time in so long, Pinocchio was so happy. He had both his parents together for the first time ever.
"Mother, there's someone I think would be happy to see you. If you'd like to come up to my room."
"I'm coming, sweetie. Just a moment," she said. Francesca followed Pinocchio upstairs and they went to his room.
"Over here, over here," Pinocchio said as he led him to the dollhouse.
"Hey, Jiminy. Look, it's my mother!"
"Well, I'll be!" said Jiminy, "Your wish really did come true, Pinoke."
He then looked up at Francesca. "Beg pardon, Francesca. I don't know if you remember me, But I think we once met when you were a girl, and I was just a youngster myself."
"Well. Well. As I live and breathe. Jiminy Cricket. I never thought I'd see you again," Francesca said.
"How did you end up here?" She asked him. With a little help from Jiminy, Pinocchio explained the whole story. Francesca felt proud of everything she had just heard.
"Jiminy, I never imagined a cricket of all things. Especially one I made the acquaintance of as a child would eventually cross paths with my own son. Thank you so much for helping Geppetto lookout for Pinocchio. He deserves to have a friend like you."
"Why thank you, Francesca. It's the least I could do after the kindness you showed me years ago."
"I'm awfully sorry about your sister, but I'm touched by Pinocchio's kindness to have given you a home here."
Pinocchio then showed his mother many of the different toys he had in his room. And his bed. Especially the bear.
"Father gave me this. It was his old teddy bear when he was young. Did you know this?"
"Yes, I knew, dear. He had it with him the first night I met him. He slept with it so much. And he kept it with him all the time knowing that one day he would have a child of his own to give it to."
"Tell me, mom. Did you somehow foresee that Jiminy would be a part of my life or is it just a coincidence that you modeled the doll after him?"
Francesca smiled and Explained, "sweetheart it might have indeed been a coincidence but it was also partially because of a memory I shared when I met him. And I never cross paths again after that one time I saw him when I was a little girl but I remembered how kind he was. I loved crickets when I was a child. And I remembered Jiminy thinking he could be the perfect model for this doll especially considering nobody had ever made a toy cricket as far as I ever knew. Do you still have the doll?"
"I do. He's right here," Pinocchio said pulling him out. Francesca was touched by how Pinocchio kept it in such good condition. It warmed her heart knowing that he cherished it so much. Later she and Jiminy and Pinocchio went down and joined Geppetto to open presents. Francesca didn't mind that there were no presents laid out for her because the only present she really needed was to be with her family this one day.
As Pinocchio and Jiminy played with some of Pinocchio's new toys in the other room. Geppetto and Francesca shared a loving couples dance with Geppetto's reconstructed music box.
"Francesca, I must confess. There are things I may not have done right as a parent until recently. It was Jiminy who helped me see the errors of my ways. He came and made me a better parent."
Geppetto, from what I've been told you may have been a little too hard a Pinocchio sometimes but you've done admirably. You raised him well. I'm so proud of both of you."
Hearing this brought a smile to Geppetto's face.
"I've missed you so much," he told her. "But I think Pinocchio has missed just as much."
"I think you're right. Geppetto, I was wondering, since this is the one day I have here on earth if I could be allowed to dance with our son."
"Of course, my love. I'll allow it."
"Thank you but don't tell him just yet. I'll tell him tonight," she requested.
"As you wish," Geppetto obliged. They both walked over to Pinocchio and Geppetto asked him, "Pinocchio, we were just wondering, would you like to come back into the living room and dance with your mother? We think that would make her very happy."
"Yes, of course!" He said with delight.
And so it was that Geppetto picked out a different music box for them to dance to, and as it played and Francesca and Pinocchio danced happily together, Pinocchio noticed a familiar tune from the music box. It was the song about wishing on stars.
"I know this song. Father sang it to me a lot when I was very little."
"He believed in dreams and wishes so much, Pinocchio. Even though he didn't have the happiest childhood he still believed. His greatest wish though was to have a child of his own to be what he never had. He wanted to be a father to a child. And he got that wish when you were born."
Pinocchio smiled as he continued to dance happily with his mother and Geppetto sat and watched with Figaro as he petted the little kitten. Pinocchio was having the happiest day of his life. He spent the whole day with his mother. Just like he always wanted. She was everything he had hoped for. It was later that night after Christmas dinner, that she said, "Geppetto dear, I think it's time for him to go to bed."
Soon afterward, when Geppetto had just finished reading Pinocchio a bedtime story, Francesca asked, "let me tuck him in for you, dear. It's time he knew."
"Oh, Mother," Pinocchio said with happiness. "This whole day has been wonderful getting to spend every minute with you. It's been everything I've dreamed of. I can't wait to have more fun tomorrow with you."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, sweetheart," she said softly. "I need you to understand. Pinocchio, I'll be gone again tomorrow. I'm sorry, honey."
"What? What do you mean?"
"The blue fairy only brought me back for this one day. Tomorrow morning I have to return to the afterlife."
Pinocchio couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had such a wonderful day and he was given the news he never wanted to hear.
"No. You can't. I want you to stay with me," he said as tears started coming from him.
"I know, baby. But I already lived my life so long ago. But I gave mine to save you. So that you could live yours."
"But I want you to be a part of it," Pinocchio cried as his lips trembled. Geppetto walked over to the bed and knelt to him.
"Pinocchio, she understands you do," Geppetto said helping Pinocchio dry his tears. "But this world is not hers anymore. She spent her time here. We didn't tell you earlier today, because we wanted you to enjoy the time you were given with her. You did, didn't you?"
"I did," Pinocchio sniffled. " But I wanted her to stay with us so that we can be a complete family."
"We always will be. In our hearts," Francesca said stroking his face gently. "Like I told you the day you were born. I will always be with you. Even if you can't see me. I'll always be right here."
She pointed to his heart as Pinocchio looked at where her fingertip touched him.
"Do you promise me?" He asked.
"I promise, Pinocchio. Forever and ever."
Jiminy walked over with a handkerchief.
"I know this is hard for you, Pinocchio. But you at least got your wish. Now, come on. Take this and blow your nose."
Pinocchio took the handkerchief and blew his nose. Then he reached out and gave her a hug. Francesca returned the embrace.
"Don't worry, Jiminy and your father will look after you. But I'll be watching you in spirit," she told him.
As they both let go, she placed the sheets over him and sang him a lullaby.
"La la lu
La la lu
Oh, my little star sweeper
I'll sweep the stardust for you"
"La la lu
La la lu
Little soft fluffy sleeper
Here comes a pink cloud for you"
"La la lu
La la lu
Little wandering angel
Fold up your wings, close your eyes"
"La la lu
La la lu
And may love be your keeper
La la lu
La la lu
La la lu"
Pinocchio fell asleep with his old cricket in his arm. Francesca and Geppetto put the teddy bear in his arm too. Then Francesca kissed him good night and whispered into his ear, "Good night, my sweet little angel."
Geppetto placed his hand on Francesca's shoulder.
"I'm going to miss you all over again as of tomorrow morning too. But like before, I promise to keep him in good hands."
"You did so before. I know you will again," she told him. "And Jiminy, you will too won't you?"
"Yes, Francesca. I'll watch out for him. You have my word," Jiminy told her sincerely.
Geppetto and Jiminy went to bed following their talk. Francesca went to the living room. She took a pen and paper. She stuck the paper in an envelope and with it, she attached a note to Geppetto saying, "give this to Pinocchio on his birthday." She put the envelope on Geppetto's nightstand and went downstairs again. The next morning, Pinocchio woke up early rushing downstairs. He was just in time as his mother hadn't disappeared yet. He knew it wasn't much longer as the sun was already rising.
With the sweetest looking puppy dog eyes, he looked up at her.
"Mommy, please don't go. I'm begging you," he cried. "I can't be without you again. I just can't do it."
Francesca knelt down and comforted him.
"Baby-cakes, I won't ask you not to weep for me. For not all tears are meant to be held back."
"Mom, My whole life I've been so empty inside without you," Pinocchio confessed. "I was jealous that I was one of the only kids in the village who didn't have a mother. I let that cloud my emotions so much, that I didn't realize how lucky I was that I at least had a father. But mother I wanted what so many other children in this village had. All I wanted was your love. But I never realized until now I've always had it. I just wished I could have it here for real."
Francesca wiped his tears for him and looked gently at him.
"I know Pinocchio, but my time is no longer here. I lived my life, such is the way of things," she explained softly. "I know you don't want things to change, but change is always inevitable and you can't stop it from coming. Any more than one man can stop the suns from setting. Do you understand?"
"I do," he said. Seeing that the sun had almost risen, he wanted to have one final hug with her. So he did just that. Hugging her tightly as Geppetto and Jiminy watched.
"I love you, mom," Pinocchio said tearfully with a smile.
"I love you, sweetheart. Always," Francesca replied. She gave him one last kiss on his forehead and told him, "Goodbye, Pinocchio. Be brave. Be strong."
And Pinocchio watched as she began vanishing in a heavenly sparkle.
"Goodbye, mom," he said softly. "I'll never let go. I promise."
Soon, she was out of his grasp as the last bit of sparkle disappeared and Pinocchio was left standing by himself. Francesca was gone again. Jiminy walked right up next to Pinocchio and looked up at him.
"Are you ok, Pinoke?" Jiminy asked him.
"I don't know, Jiminy," he said. "For about a whole day and then one brief moment of today I had what I wanted. Now it's all gone again."
"It's not all gone, Pinocchio," Geppetto said as he walked over. He knelt down and handed the old doll of Jiminy back to Pinocchio. Pinocchio took and had a look at it.
"As long as I have this mother will always be with me, right?" He asked. Geppetto put his hands Pinocchio on shoulders.
"Son, no matter what, She will always be with you. No one's ever really gone," Geppetto told him.
"At least we have each other," Pinocchio said as he hugged his father.
Two months later, in February, on Pinocchio's 8th birthday, Pinocchio was walking home from school. As he was halfway home, Lampwick came up to him.
"Hey, Pinocchio! I forgot. I made this for you. Happy birthday!"
Pinocchio opened the little box. Lampwick made him and Pinocchio a pair of friendship bracelets.
"Thanks, Lampwick. This is really neat. I'm glad you and I became friends."
"I owe you, Pinocchio. It's a real pity your mom can't be here for you for real for it, but at least you got your wish to see her at Christmas."
"That's very kind of you, Lampwick. but I know one thing. No matter where I go, she's always gonna be with me in my heart. She may be dead and gone, but not forgotten. I can just remember what Jiminy told me and I'll find her in the place where the lost things go," Pinocchio said as he walked off and went home.
"Hey, my father wants to see if you can come for my birthday. He said your mom said it was ok."
"Sure. Why not."
When they walked inside Pinocchio's house, they saw Geppetto and Frederico with Beatrice and Martina waiting for him.
"What are you all doing here?" He said.
"Happy birthday!" Everyone shouted.
Compared to most previous years, Geppetto wanted much like Pinocchio's first birthday party to be nothing more than a small get together. Lampwick was invited of course because of how close he and Pinocchio had grown together.
Everyone had a nice social interaction. Pinocchio enjoyed introducing his god family to Lampwick. Lampwick made a good impression on Martina. Somewhat.
Everyone gathered for cake and Ice Cream, sang happy birthday and Pinocchio was happy. When everyone left, Pinocchio helped set the table for a fabulous Pizza dinner with him, Geppetto, and Jiminy. After they finished, Geppetto talked to Pinocchio.
"Son, there's something that your mother left me on Christmas night. I was instructed to give it to you today for your birthday. No sooner, no later."
Pinocchio took the envelope and opened it. It was a letter. He looked at it. And read it,
"My dear sweet Pinocchio,
I know it must've been hard for you knowing I had to leave you again, but I'm sure you were at least grateful that you were able to see me for Christmas this past year. I can tell you were. When I was pregnant and dying it broke my heart knowing I wouldn't be able to live for you but I knew I'd be watching you in spirit. Even though physically the only thing you ever had of me was the doll of Jiminy I made you, there's one thing now I'm sure you know you have that you have always had in you since the day you were born. My love. But I'm sure your father has told you my love for you will always live on as does my love for him. For your birthday this year, there was nothing more I can give you than that. I'm sure you miss me now more than ever, but just remember, you are such a strong brave, and kind boy. You're everything your father and I ever hoped you could ever be. And I want you to know that in death as I did in life, I'll stay in your heart where you'll always find me. And so shall you be in mine as well. I love you, Pinocchio. I always will. Happy 8th birthday, sweetheart.
Signed,
Your dear loving Mother, Francesca."
Pinocchio let out a smile with some happy tears as he finished reading his mother's letter.
"This was so sweet of her to leave me," Pinocchio said to Geppetto.
"Your mother loved you so much, Pinocchio. She shares that love with me now in death as she did in life. loving your child is the mark of a true parent. you see that's how we carried on the first several years of your life without her. We had each other. That's how we did it"
"Father, I promise with every beat of my heart, I will not disappoint you when I grow up and I will not let mother sacrifice or everything you've done for me all be in vain. I promise I'm gonna grow up to become great woodcarver as you."
"I know you will, Pinocchio. I know. You've grown up so fast, but No matter what happens, no matter what you become or what you do, you will always be my greatest treasure the one thing I care about most. Even when I'm gone you will always live on as "Geppetto's Pride"".
"I wouldn't rather be anything else," Pinocchio said.
"Happy birthday, son," Geppetto said. And they both shared a big hug together as Jiminy went over to the window and gazed at the stars above speaking to the blue fairy's star.
"thank you for everything, Milady. He deserved to be able to see his mother. And it sure was nice of you to allow him that chance. Put in a good word with Miss Francesca for me if you can. I'm promising her with every inch of my tiny little body that I will take good care of her little boy even when he's all grown up. And the fact she's given me that task, well, I think it's swell."
Jiminy let out a happy smile watching Pinocchio and Geppetto then he looked at the night sky above and said, " and it seems like Pinocchio really taught me something."
He then looked up again and sang,
"when your heart is in your dream No request is too extreme,
when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true!"
"You'll find your dreams come true!"
Later that night after Geppetto put Pinocchio to bed, Jiminy made his way into his dollhouse and crawled into his own bed watching his friend happily asleep.
As Pinocchio dozed off, he heard his mother's voice in his head telling him, "don't you worry about a thing, sweetheart. Everything's alright."
Pinocchio cuddled his old doll of Jiminy close by, he let out a smile on his face, and in the back of his mind, he told himself, "I know. I don't need to worry about you anymore. You're always gonna be with me."
And Pinocchio, who was once a very sad little boy without his mother, even in the happiest times of his childhood, As of that year, had become the happiest little boy in the village that he ever thought he could be. Because even though he knew his mother could never physically be there in person he still had the one thing he always had with or without an actual mother. His mother's love. Even more so, he had a family. But now he knew one thing that was absolutely certain. Life could never be happier for him. And so Geppetto, Jiminy, and Pinocchio all lived happily ever after.
The End