I lowered my head sadly.
I felt his hand slip under my chin, and he lifted my head so I was looking into his eyes.
"Rajah, I'll never forget this adventure. I'll never forget you."
I hugged him tightly, and he hugged me back. After a moment he pulled away and left.
For many days I wasn't myself. Finally Jasmine asked me what was wrong.
"I miss Cassim."
"We all do, Rajah."
"No, you don't understand. I felt more at home when I was with him than I do when I'm here."
I looked at her, expecting to see a hurt look on her face. Instead she was smiling!
"I think I do understand. Go."
"Huh?"
"Go to the layer of the Forty Thieves. That's where Cassim and Iago are living. You belong with him now."
I hugged her and took off running towards the layer. I reached it hours later and went in by the land entrance.
Cassim's back was facing me so I sunk up behind and pounced on him.
"Whoa! What the..."
Cassim relaxed when he saw it was me.
"Rajah?! What are you doing here?"
I told him what had happened. I got off him, and he stood up.
"I guess that settles it, then. Welcome home, Rajah."