The Noceda's vehicle pulled up in front of the Gravesfield Arboretum, and a pair of teenagers stepped out.
"Thanks for the ride, Camila," said the girl to their driver.
"It was my pleasure," she said back to pair. "I've got to go pick up Luz from school now. Have fun, you two. If you need a ride back, just send Clover and I'll be right here."
"Yeah," said the boy. "Sure thing, Mom." Hunter's face turned red after realizing what slipped out. Sure, he'd continued spending time under Camila's roof even after Darius took him in. Something about the house and people who lived there just made him feel safe and at home…but he'd never called her that before. Camila just gave him a gentle smile as he turned back to Willow. "Okay, enough of that. Let's get going, Captain."
The couple walked a long a beaten path, surrounded by woodlands on both sides. There was a light breeze, and leaves were falling off the trees as they continued. Both of them wondered how different this place must look in springtime.
"This place is beautiful," said Willow.
"Yeah," said Hunter under his breath, not looking at his surroundings. "Beautiful."
A familiar chirp snapped him out of his reverie. He stopped walking, turning towards the sound and inevitable disappointment. It wasn't Flapjack. It wasn't even a cardinal. This bird was the complete opposite color. A blue jay, if he recalled correctly. Nonetheless, he stared at it for a period, locking eyes with the bird briefly before it flew away.
"You okay, Hun?" Willow looked at him with concern.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine." He wiped a stray tear from his eye and smiled best he could. "Do you mind if we sit down for a bit?"
"We can do that, if you want." She took his arm and led him to a nearby park bench. "I know it's hard, but...just because someone's gone doesn't mean they're not still with you."
"Right," said Hunter, clutching his chest. "Luz said the same thing. But of course, that doesn't stop you from missing them."
"Have you thought of carving a new Palisman?"
"Sometimes. Dell's been showing me the ropes. I'm learning a lot from him." His smile returned for a moment before faltering again. "I'm just...not ready for a new one of my own...not yet."
"You'll get there eventually," Willow said, giving his hand a squeeze. "I know you will."
"Thanks." Hunter turned his head at the sound of snapping twigs and crunching leaves in front of him. "Captain, look!" he said with a whisper as he put one arm around her and pointed with the other hand.
Walking around in the distance ahead was a trio of deer; a buck, a doe, and a yearling. Nibbling leaves off a few bushes that still had green on them, they paid the couple no mind. The couple continued to watch the animals in silence, not wanting to spook them away. Willow placed her arm around Hunter's waist and her head on his shoulder, and they observed the deer contently. By the time they'd moved on, the sun was starting to set. Willow pulled out Clover, sending her off to fetch Camila before standing herself and Hunter off the bench and resuming their walk arm in arm.