Columbia was already aware that Frank and Eva were visiting Transsexual, but still had no idea that they were going to return there permanently. She was in her office at her club doing paperwork when both Frank and Eva walked through the door.
"Well, hi guys!" she said cheerfully. "How was the trip? What did ya think of the place, Eva?"
"It was really beautiful there," Eva said.
"How's your mom, Frank?"
"Not well, I'm afraid. Actually, that's why we're here, Columbia – we're going back to Transsexual – permanently."
Columbia's eyes widened. "Wow, that's – wow. I thought you didn't really wanna go back there, Frank?"
"To make a long story short, I really don't have the choice anymore. My mother is dying, and I am the only one qualified to take the throne. We're leaving today…now, actually. We're going to pick up Eva's mother, then we'll be 'picked up' so to speak."
"I'm sure gonna miss you two," she said, her eyes beginning to well. "Three," she said looking at Faye, who was asleep in Frank's arms.
"We're going to miss you too, Columbia," Eva said, now hugging her. "But we'd like you to see us off, you and Eddie both."
"Really? Great! Let me go grab him from the back and we can go." Columbia got Eddie and they jumped onto his motorcycle. They followed Frank and Eva to Audrey's house, and helped her to load up the few things she was bringing with her. They all then proceeded to the familiar place where the castle used to reside, a smaller ship now in its place.
They transferred their belongings onto the ship, and Audrey took Faye inside. Frank looked at Columbia affectionately and asked, "Are you sure you want to stay here? You know you're more than welcome to come with us."
"I'm sure, Frank," she said, wiping away a tear. "Eddie and I have a good thing going here. You're gonna make a great king," she said, hugging him.
"Thank you, Columbia." He broke away and looked at Eddie. "She's a good girl, Eddie, do take care of her."
"Will do, Frank." He then gave Frank a rather tight bear hug.
"Columbia," Eva said, trying not to cry again, "Take these." She handed Columbia the keys to her car. "We know that your car has been in the shop quite a bit, so we want you to have ours."
Columbia took the keys and hugged Eva tightly. "Thank you." She then whispered into Eva's ear, "You're a very lucky woman, Eva, remember that."
Eva smiled. "I will," she said softly.
Frank and Eva walked toward the ship and turned to wave goodbye once more before the doors closed. Eddie and Columbia watched as they took off into the early evening sky.
"They're going home," Columbia whispered.