"Goodbye, Hera, and safe travels," Christina wished her sister with a tight bear hug. She was really going to miss her, and it was quite evident. She did the same to Bryce as well, while he sat on his haunches patiently waiting for the reunion to be over.
"I'm going to miss both of you," she confessed sadly, her eyes almost tearing up, but she struggled not to. This wasn't like before when she had no hope of seeing them anymore. She did. Bryce had promised her, and the sisters also agreed to it. It didn't take much convincing to get them on board with the plan.
At first, she had thought that the sisters, especially Martha, would disapprove, but then they didn't. In Martha's own words, she even said that she wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Bryce had really made quite an impression on them, so now, it was up to her to fulfill her own end of the bargain.
"We prepared something for the trip back home," Martha handed them a well-packaged basket filled with fruits and other essentials. "It's not much, but we prepared it with love and hope that it'll do."
"You didn't have to." It was Bryce's turn to hug the older woman now, and she let him. She patted his back affectionately. He felt a sense of warmth hugging her, almost like he was hugging his own mother. It felt nice.
"We wanted to," she deadpanned. "It's the least that we can do for everything you've done for us, so please accept it. And don't forget that you have a family here now, Bryce. If there's anything we can do to help you in any way, then you can always reach out to us or let us know about it."
Family? That word suddenly started to make a whole lot of sense now. It's been long since he had heard it, and it gave him the feels but in a good way. He was glad to be a part of something so beautiful. It warmed up his insides.
"Of course, Sister Martha." He pulled away from the hug and faced Christina. "Hope to see you soon, little pumpkin, and don't forget our deal," he added and ruffled her hair in an affectionate manner.