Parker stopped weeping. He looked about his room. His room, which wasn't destroyed! The bed was still there, the window was closed and still present. Even the sound of a baby wailing in the next room got him jittery! Autumn was still alive with excitement! The Forest of Pim wasn't burned down! He made it back safe and sound!
"Thank you, spirits!" Parker cheered with joy. He jumped up and down, unable to contain himself when his bedroom door flung open and in walked in Terrence with his wife Marjorie and their daughter Autumn.
"Parker, you alright?" Terrence asked, confused with what he saw.
"I've never been happier!" Parker cried in excitement. He smiled, asking, "So, what day is it?"
"What day?" Marjorie was stunned. "Why, it's the day of the Autumn Festival over in Lamia and Pim! King Charmont and Queen Ella are expected to arrive here any minute now." She eyed Parker, suspiciously, "You sure you're okay? You gave us quite a fright with your happy screams."
"I've never been better!" Parker said, rushing towards her and touching her infant's head.
Parker's happy expression changed to calmness as soon as a vision crossed his mind. There was Autumn, grown up into a young lass with flaming red hair. She was so beautiful, so gorgeous, and the way she laughed and had kids of her own made Parker smile wider.
By the time the vision ended, Parker smiled at Terrence and Marjorie. "Your baby will live on, giving birth to children and there'll be grandchildren, too. I'm sure of it! But," his happy expression turned to sorrow, "I have to leave Kyrria. Alone. I'm heading back to the Portal Realm after the Autumn Festival is over." He stopped Marjorie before she could protest, "Now, don't trouble yourself. I'll be fine."
"But why do you have to leave? These spirits tell you something, show you something important?" Marjorie asked, concerned.
"The one spirit that usually turns up is the one that is supposed to guide me. Tobias. I don't know why or for what purpose, but" Parker paused, returning to his bed, looking it over, "I know I cannot stay here. It would ruin us. It would ruin the family if I did."
"Then you must leave," Terrence said, calmly. He raised an eyebrow at Marjorie, causing her to stop protesting. "No one should go against what the spirits say, not even Aslan could stop this." Parker stood up, facing his great-grandson as Terrence continued. "I'm going to miss you. You've changed my life for the better. I now have a family because of you! Thank you, Parker, for everything you've done!"
Parker embraced him.
"Thank you," Terrence said, teary-eyed.
"Don't thank me yet." Parker released him. "Thank me after generations passed and I'll see you again in the Portal Realm, where all spirits go when they want to be alive."
Terrence nodded, appreciating the sentiment.
Three knocks were heard on the front door. Marjorie passed Autumn over to Terrence, before charging towards the front door and opening it, welcoming King Charmont and Queen Ella to their house. Slannen was with them, too, of all elves; so, this was a welcoming surprise.
"Well, I do hope we've come on time," Slannen said, pleased. He showed them his casserole he made not long ago. "Well, I figure you three have got a baby, and we decided to celebrate here in Pim."
"Yes, a little bird told us Parker Dooley was leaving. So, we want to celebrate the Autumn Festival here, too," Char said, pleased with himself.
"Thank you," Parker said in agreement. "That's very kind of you."
"It was nothing," Char shrugged.
"Well, who's ready to eat?" Ella said as she brought her dish of lasagna over to the kitchen counter.
"Well, this is very sweet." Marjorie smiled at them. "Thank you all for coming."
"You're welcome," Char said with a smirk.
"I've been making breakfast and lunch all morning. Parker just woke up," Marjorie told them, curtly. She looked at Parker, admitting, "You can have brunch with us, if you'd like."
"Hold that thought," Parker said, making his way into the bathroom to do his business. As soon as he came out, Parker returned to the kitchen to gather some breakfast and lunch. It was a big meal, but he felt sure it was good.
~o~
Day soon passed into nightfall. Lamia had a festive time during the Autumn Festival, more commonly known as the Autumn Celebration throughout Kyrria. The village of Pim had their festival as well, and that's where Parker got to see the fireworks light up the skies above the village. Parker also spent time, before the fireworks, eating as much sweets as he could. The pastries were delicious.
Parker smiled at Terrence as they watched the fireworks. He'd miss Terrence, especially given the journey they went through.
"Terrence," Parker got his great-grandson's attention, "thank you for what you've done to help me."
"It was nothing!" Terrence said with a warm-hearted sigh. "We did a lot together. You helped me find my new home. We have Aslan to thank as well for helping me—helping us out. Now I know how to shapeshift, thanks to you, and to Aslan, shapeshifting can stay in the family."
Parker nodded silently, hugging the lad. "Good luck with the rest of your life. May it go on for Ages."
"Thank you, Parker." Terrence chuckled loudly. "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done! But anyway, at least little Autumn's enjoying herself." He chuckled, seeing the cheery look in her eyes.
"Yes, I couldn't agree more," Parker said, gazing at Marjorie and Autumn, Marjorie who was sitting on a bench, feeding little Autumn. Parker smiled at them, glad to see they were safe and sound.
He sighed, wondering what other moment could be more perfect than this one. He hardly knew.