Farewell.

"Welcome back," I greeted them warmly as I noticed the fatigue etched on my parents' faces. Their journey must have been arduous.

"Ruu... we are so sorry that we had to go without even saying anything," Mom said apologetically as she entered the house, and Father followed silently, his weariness evident in every step.

"What about Marylin?" I inquired with concern.

"She's gone back to her house, but she'll be here for dinner," Mom replied, leading us to the living room where we could finally relax.

"I'll go wash up," Father announced, his voice weary as he headed towards the bathroom.

"He looks tired," I remarked, worried about his well-being.

"Yeah... a lot happened," Mom said, her eyes seeming to hold a trace of sorrowful memories.

Exactly two days had passed since the incident in the Balcker Forest and my parents' sudden departure. Now, they had returned, and the sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow on their tired expressions.