Birds chirped and the sun shone warmly. The scent of flowers and fresh grass surrounded Gill as he closed his eyes and leaned against the rough bark of the trembusu tree.

It sure was good to be out again.

Someone prodded the side of Gill gently.

“Hey, you.”

Gill jerked upright and grinned impishly at RaRa.

“Hey back! Good to see you again.”

“Uh huh. Seems like someone finally got released.”

Rara sat on the grassy patch next to Gill and leaned her head on his shoulders.

They sat quietly in companionable silence for a bit. Listening to the crows cawing at each other and the singing of crickets. It was really nice and peaceful to be sitting here with RaRa again. Life was good.

RaRa lifted her head.

“Hey, Gill?”

“Hmm?”

“I need to go soon.”

Once again Gill jerked upright.

“No! Why? Aren’t you back? Doesn’t that mean you can stay? Why can’t you stay?”

RaRa looked at Gill and smiled gently.

“Because I settled what I needed to and what I was allowed to. And plus, you don’t need me any more. You will be fine.”

“But…”

“You have that umbrella don’t you? That should help you at least a litte, after all that trouble we went through to get it.” Rara said cheekily.

“An umbrella is not a replacement for you!”

“Of course it is not. I meant it as a gift and memento for you to remember the fun times we had together. Also I lied. The umbrella is not magic.”

Gill couldn’t help but roll his eyes in reply to that ridiculous proclamation.

“Uh huh.”

“Honestly though. This umbrella, or magic, is not a clutch and should never be used like one. The umbrella may not be magic, but our friendship is. And your strength and loyalty is. I just wanted to let you know how much our friendship means to me and how much love I have for you.”

RaRa twirled the hem of the cute little strapless yellow sundress she was wearing.

“Why can’t you stay? I want you to stay, RaRa”, Gill pleaded.

“I can’t. But know this, Gill. You may be alone for now. But you shouldn’t be lonely as once upon a time, someone looked up to you and loved you so darn much for who you are. You helped me tide through so much with your quiet strength. Much like a tree. This tree. With roots deep, quietly growing, bending with storms.”

RaRa got up and lovingly patted the trunk of the trembusu tree.

“Also in case you don’t know who that someone is. Hint. hint, it’s me.”

She paused and tilted her head, as if listening to someone.

“Oh! I am allowed to tell you this small tidbit after all the help you have rendered. I am allowed to tell you that Raiden-of-the-i-am-gonna-hit-you-for-telling-me-this is not the one you will seek or wait for. Raiden will find himself one day. You will too.”

RaRa leaned over and gave Gill a kiss on his cheek.

“Remember to live, love, laugh, Gill. YOLO. Live life with an open heart.”

She took a step back as Gill reached out for her.

“Cliche as it is, it is not good bye, but see you later. I will be waiting for you and watching over you from afar. You will be a great person Gill. Always remember to have faith in yourself.”

RaRa snapped her fingers and the sound of celestial music could be heard. She pranced happily towards the bright light that had appeared, laughing loud and heartily.

With one last wave, she was gone, leaving behind the echoes of her laughter and the warmth of her lips against Gill’s cheeks.

Gill wipes the tears from his eyes.

He smiled, knowing that her final gift was a priceless gift beyond measure. It was definitely not the silly umbrella. RaRa’s true gift was the reminder to accept every bit of himself, knowing the dark corners, forgiving the darkness and celebrating the light. For when there is light, there will always be shadows, it's all about.embracing the shadows as it is always part of him and growing stronger.

The day never felt more peaceful.

=======================

END

Now the itsy bitsy spider

Went up the spout again