Simone was never known to be the impatient type; patience was certainly a prerequisite for her job as school principal. And yet, it had been close to two hours now since Mr. Ages had come bursting in, practically demanding which classrooms the Brisby children were studying in. After Isabella had led him away, it was some two minutes later that he and the children left together, racing out of the school without another word. By the looks on their faces, it was obvious what it had all meant: the “secret mission” party had returned. But with or without their father? Isabella had pestered her continually since then, not so much with words as with plaintive, doe-eyed looks until Simone was almost ready to fire her. But instead, there came a moment of mutual confession: from Simone, that the aim of the mission was to find Johnathan Brisby, and from Isabella, that she was mainly concerned about Justin’s safe return from said mission. Isabella—as well as Silvio and Miranda, whom Simone had decided should know as well—had promised to keep the detail about Johnathan a secret until it was time for everyone to know, but it had been a distraction from her work—and, increasingly, on Simone’s as well. She’d reasoned that the delay on any further word had to be due to the children having a private reunion with their mother…and father? It had to be so, and yet…

Further musings were interrupted by approaching footfalls in the hall, followed by the entrance of Simone’s husband Graham into her office. “Simone, dear,” he said, catching his breath, “there’s going to be a general meeting, and I think you’ll want to excuse all of your students.”

“So it’s true? They are back?”

“Not only them, but…him as well,” he said knowingly. “We’re spreading the word, Justin wants everyone to be there.” He gave Simone a quick peck on the cheek and left, just as Isabella came up from the next room, having heard the tail-end of the conversation. In seconds the two of them began going around to all the classrooms; within three minutes Thorn Valley School had emptied out completely.

So it was all over the north end of Thorn Valley, not only inside the confines of the Rats’ settlement inside their underground complex, but outside as well, where roving Guard rats as well as farm workers were called in, by field holler or by mirrors flashing their reflected sunlight beacons. Everywhere there were those who knew what this all meant and impressed upon those in their charge how important it was, and so everyone essentially dropped what he or she was doing to attend this meeting.

It had now been some twenty minutes since Orson and Ages first left to begin spreading the word, and now the two of them, as well as Judith and her children, had taken their seats in the lowermost tiers of the meeting hall. Presently Isabella sat next to Judith, and the two sisters began exchanging excited whispers. In the antechamber, a group of nine rats and mice waited as Lol and Kevin stood at the door, watching the crowd continue to pour in. Some, upon seeing the two Guard rats standing there, couldn’t resist asking them about the ones they knew had to be waiting in the room behind them, but they would only advise everyone to be patient and take his or her seat.

“Sounds like a full house out there already,” said Willis behind Kevin’s shoulder.

“Just about,” Kevin replied. “We haven’t been keeping count, but it looks like nearly everyone’s here. I’d say we give it another minute.”

“Sounds good,” said Justin. “Well, is everybody ready?” Everyone replied yes or nodded enthusiastically, the children in particular looking like they were ready to shout the news to the whole world.

“Not everybody,” reminded Johnathan in mock irritation.

Justin grinned. “I know the waiting-in-the-wings bit is getting old, Johnathan, but this is definitely the last time.”

Johnathan smiled back and turned to his wife. “Maddie, are you all right with this?”

“Well, I’ve never been in front of this large a crowd, but I guess I’ll survive.” She laughed nervously. “I know there are some parts of the story only I can really tell.”

“You can do it, Mom,” said Martin, taking her arm.

“That’s right,” added Timothy. “Just pretend you’re talking to just us again.” His siblings added their chorus of agreement and encouragement.

“Thank you, dear,” Madeline said, kissing her son’s cheek. Not that long ago, she wouldn’t believe she’d be seriously taking advice from her younger son, but it was becoming clearer all the time how fast he was growing, intellectually as well as physically.

Presently Tallus could be seen approaching the two at the doorway and speaking quietly to them before leaving. “That’s it,” reported Lol. “Anyone else coming in now can be considered a straggler.”

“Showtime, everyone,” said Justin. Without another word everyone except the two Guards and Johnathan filed out into the hall. Applause and shouts of “welcome back!” immediately met their ears as the three rats and five mice gathered upon the dais. Justin let it continue for about a minute before raising both forearms, calling everyone to silence. Outside of the council and the Guard, it was generally known that Justin, Melvin, Willis and Mrs. Brisby had gone someplace outside of the valley; and when pressed, they would say no more than that even the four of them didn’t know exactly where their destination lay. Now, with everyone looking to have his or her curiosity sated, and with the other rats and the Brisby family seated in a semicircle behind him, Justin began.

“Friends…we left here three days ago on a mission that we know very well came to be called ‘secret,’ and I know you’ve all wondered why. Some of you believed it had to do with Mrs. Brisby’s arrival earlier that day…and you are right. She came to us again seeking help, as she did last spring; and so the four of us left on this mission, and yes, members of the council and the Guard knew many of the details, but not even we knew everything about it, not even where we were going exactly. I know that sounds confusing, but…” He’d been turning himself continuously so he could face different sections of the crowd; and when he faced the spot where Isabella sat with Judith, right there in the front row, he momentarily lost his place, suddenly wanting nothing more than to continue drinking in the sight of her. Recovering as quickly as he could, he went on: “…but as I’m sure you’ve guessed, there’s a story to be told. First let me say that this mission was a complete success.”

He paused as a murmur ran through the crowd—curious, amazed, maybe a bit confused—but before he could elaborate, Martin Brisby jumped to his feet and shouted out proudly, “My dad’s back!”

Justin put a hand up to his face as if in embarrassment. Did someone say shout it to the whole world? He snickered to himself; after all, he had certainly felt like doing much the same thing. Ah, the restrictions of decorum, he thought. “Thank you, Martin,” he said, grinning. “Friends…it’s true. Our old friend and comrade Johnathan Brisby is alive and well.”

Once again responding on cue, Johnathan stepped forward from the antechamber into everyone’s full view. He was greeted with the expected gasps of astonishment, which swiftly gave way to cheers, huzzahs, and shouts of his name and—again—“welcome back!” He genuinely wasn’t expecting such a massive outpouring of adulation, and could only reply with smiles and nods and quietly-spoken thank-yous. His wife embraced him and children gathered around as they waited for the initial excitement to die down, after which Justin again called for everyone’s attention. He told everyone that, for anyone who wished to hear it, they would now relate the full account of Johnathan’s survival and the efforts of the mission party to find him, though they would try to condense it as much as possible since there was a lot to tell. None showed signs of wanting to leave, so the five travelers began taking turns, as before with the children, telling the tale—though, once again, certain details were omitted. One important detail not omitted concerned Madeline Brisby; and, as planned, Justin told the assemblage that she was now and always one of them, in every possible way, by virtue of her being mated to Johnathan, with no embarrassment on anyone’s part. As expected, the news was roundly welcomed; if it were put to a vote, there would surely be unanimous approval of her being given full citizenship of the Thorn Valley colony. The entire account took about the same amount of time as it did with the smaller audience—about an hour and a half—but everyone who came to listen stayed to the end. And listen they did; rarely was there a more attentive audience.

When the tale was again completed, it was put to a vote what should follow; and there was an overwhelming consensus that a proper celebration was in order. Johnathan almost felt like saying they needn’t go overboard, but he relented mostly out of curiosity. Back at the Rosebush, the Rats weren’t given much to celebration, due mostly to the inherent sense of caution associated with living there. Here in Thorn Valley—as he’d already been told—they were finding they could let go of that sense of caution, or at least enough of it to allow them to more fully enjoy the freedoms they didn’t have at the Rosebush. So Johnathan was interested in seeing just how this celebration would take shape.

A committee was hastily organized on the spot to get it started; many of the details, in fact, had been planned in advance by the council, in the event that the mission met with the hoped-for results. While some rats filed out of the hall, others came up to talk to the five, especially Johnathan; many eager and curious to know what it was like in this other world. Among them was Brutus; and when Johnathan saw him up close for the first time in ten months, he looked to his family as if he’d tilt over backwards as he brought his gaze all the way up the towering figure—“I swear you’ve grown another inch or two since I last saw you!” summed up his reaction. Brutus agreed, with great humor, that it was true: he hadn’t stopped growing ten months ago, though since then it seemed to have ceased.
Silvio and Miranda were eager to give Madeline—and now her husband, as well—their report on how well the children had gotten along in their absence, speaking glowingly of how well-behaved they’d been. Including Martin? Madeline was almost ready to ask it aloud, but refrained. In fact, there had been no indications thus far of any difficulty from any of them.

Already, here in the meeting hall as well as in the colony overall, a festive atmosphere was forming; though for some, the mood was more somber. During the storytelling, it had been mentioned that Uhrstegg had influenced Jenner but few other details were disclosed; now, Matilda, George and Melinda were all but demanding to hear more. As he’d anticipated, Melvin took charge, leading his mother and siblings—as well as his stepfather Bryant, who he decided also needed to hear this—out of the hall to where they could talk in private. He’d felt a small amount of dread for this moment, but now thought it might be easier than he’d thought.

All the same, his friends didn’t envy him the task; and as Justin watched them leave and then returned his attention to the Brisbys, who were now approached by a small group of inquisitive youngsters, he reflected on all that had been accomplished: two of his dearest friends in the world back together, their family again whole; exactly what they’d set out to do. He recalled how he’d thought himself such a failure, allowing himself and those in his charge to be trapped by Uhrstegg, but now he felt a renewed sense of confidence in his role as leader. He remembered, too, how he’d believed Uhrstegg to be no different from Jenner, and finding out differently about both of them. His friends’ words of reassurance to him following their entrapment and his threat to Sithpha also returned to him, and he realized more than ever the truth in them. No, he hadn’t failed them; it was just that he still had so much more to learn. Things would no longer be as simple for him, he decided, but he knew he’d be better able to deal with whatever came along. He’d realized as well that there was someone who could be at his side, to help him deal with life’s challenges; and as he saw her leaving the hall, she turned toward him, ever so briefly making eye contact. His resolve returned; now wasn’t the moment, but he vowed that before this day was through, he’d meet with Isabella and confess his feelings for her.

The Brisby children were eager to tell both of their parents, and show them, all they’d done, seen and learned these past three days; and so, once they’d gently extricated themselves from the group of rat youngsters, the family left the hall. Johnathan was, of course, highly impressed with all the Rats had done here. Though he was seeing it all for the first time, he reported feeling a strong sense that he had come home, something he couldn’t explain. Madeline and—especially—the children reported that they’d been made to feel very much at home here: they’d all made friends among the Rats and native mice alike; they’d enjoyed hugely the recreational facilities, especially the beach; and the thirst for knowledge they’d felt their first day here had definitely increased.

Madeline had anticipated this matter with a mixture of great pride and a small amount of dread; indeed, as the children waxed enthusiastic about how well they done in their classes, how much they’d learned and hoped to learn, she knew the inevitable questions would come up about how long their stay here would prove to be. She recalled her own pondering of how Johnathan might deal with the matter of their children’s education upon his return; and when they had a brief private moment, they agreed they would discuss this so-vital matter in detail later. For now, though, there was much more to see, and they again allowed the children to lead the way.

After they’d gotten a bite to eat at the dining hall, they took the grand tour outside. Just outside the main entrance, where Philip was again on sentry duty, they paused as Johnathan got his first good look at the outside—also his very first look at Thorn Valley. Silently and deliberately, he surveyed the vista before him—taking in the sky, the sun, grass, trees, the lake, the cliffs that all but encircled the valley—as if he were a little child seeing it all for the first time. Discarding any trace of dignity, he leaped into the air and gave an inarticulate yell of unrestrained joy, initially startling his family.

“Daddy, what’s wrong?” Cynthia asked as his feet touched earth again.

“Absolutely nothing at all, sweetie,” he said, drawing her to him in a Justin-style bearhug. “It’s just so great to be back—with you, with the Rats, with everything.” He kissed Madeline and each of the children before they moved on. Along the way, they passed many other well-wishing Rats, most of whom Johnathan recognized readily and was able to greet by name. The festive atmosphere was alive and well out here, too; all work and classes had been suspended for the rest of the day, so there was already a larger-than-usual crowd gathered in an open area just outside the main entrance, setting up tables and chairs for the celebration to come.

They could already see some activity by the lake, and so Madeline and the children directed Johnathan to the four-foot-high boulder they’d used upon their arrival to get the lay of the place, and they all clambered to its summit now. From there they could better view their surroundings, including the garden areas. Neither parent had viewed them up close yet, so they decided to give them a quick perusal next. As they did, the children described how they’d already put in a little time with planting and harvesting; and saw up close, and appreciated, the hard work it took to keep the community fed.

Moving on to the lake, they visited the dock from which the fishing boats operated; but when Johnathan suggested they check out the swim area, the children chose to lead their parents to some other areas first; or more specifically, one area just south of the lake: a large clearing, much of which lay in the shade of a large spreading burr oak. This, they said, had lately become quite a popular spot for informal gatherings or just spending a little quiet time. There were already plans underway to develop it into an actual park.

Johnathan cast his gaze all around, nodding with approval. “I can already see this as a place for holding meetings, once they get more comfortable with the area. Or maybe…I haven’t suggested it to Justin yet, but if they decide to start holding actual wedding ceremonies, this would be the place for them.” He went on to describe what a typical human ceremony was like, adding that the Rusay have them too—and Madeline, drawing from these descriptions, found herself imagining such a ceremony involving friends of theirs. She hadn’t yet disclosed to Johnathan all of the confidences she shared with Justin, including his and Isabella’s mutual attraction. She found it bothered her a little, after their “no secrets” vow; but then, this one was between her and Justin, and if he wanted to share it with Johnathan, it’d be up to him. She was sure he wouldn’t have done it already; she and Johnathan had scarcely spent a moment apart since their reunion.

Martin found the discussion not especially to his liking, summing up with, “Sheesh, who needs all that?” Teresa would have been inclined to disagree, but she’d been busy scanning the surrounding area; in part from the sense of caution she and her sibs had had impressed upon them while in the Rats’ care, but also on behalf of far less hostile natives to the area. All of them, in fact, had the idea that this might be a likely place to meet them again, since they’d be coming from the south and this was just south of the lake, where they’d met two days ago.

Johnathan noticed Teresa’s apparent distraction and was about to remark that she looked as if she were expecting to meet someone here; but Cynthia, showing that said natives had been on her mind as well, nudged Martin and said teasingly in reply to his rhetorical question, “You might need it someday, Martin. You and Sarah…”

Martin made his usual sour face as their parents looked on with interest. “Something you want to share with us, Martin?” Johnathan asked with a wink.

“Oh, she thinks Sarah was making goo-goo eyes at me the other day.”

Madeline chuckled. “Well, whether she was or not, I’d really like to meet those two. From what I’ve been told, the Rats have had little traffic with the local creatures—the ones that aren’t hostile, that is.”

“Like that weasel Bryant was telling us about,” said Martin, “the one they finally had to kill after he wouldn’t leave them alone.”

“Mm-hm,” said Johnathan seriously. “I know all about that little incident. Hopefully that kind is far behind us…or rather, them.”

Madeline looked at him curiously at his choice of words, but before she could comment, Timothy said, “Hey, that looks like them now.” He pointed toward a bush at the clearing’s southern edge, around which some small movement could be seen: definitely young mice. Teresa and Timothy led the way in coaxing them into the open, after which they were confirmed to be their new friends Eric and Sarah. They ventured forth shyly, eyes wide as they looked upon the two adult mice warily.

Quick to put them at ease, Madeline spread her arms. “So you’re Eric and Sarah!” she said cheerily. “It’s so nice to meet you.”

Sarah’s eyes widened further. “I remember you!” she exclaimed as she and Eric approached. “You were with those rats that disappeared after that flash of light!”

Having already realized it would be useless to deny it, both parents confirmed that Sarah had seen what she thought she had, adding that though it was a secret how it was done, it was all done to bring Johnathan home to his family. Seemingly content with this explanation, the siblings warmed very quickly to the couple, though they were a little uneasy over having sneaked away from their mother, as they had two days ago. The Brisbys suggested it might be best that they return home—emphasizing that they weren’t trying to get rid of them—but Sarah told them it was okay, that their mother would allow them to be gone an hour or so. Madeline wondered just how much of that was true; but, taking their word for it, she and Johnathan suggested they accompany them to the lake.

Minutes later, both parents had their first look at the swim area. There were already many rats there, kids and adults alike, all greeting the family cheerfully. Johnathan looked all around with approval, immediately and favorably comparing it to Gwinthrayle’s creekside meadow and the creek near their summer home. The latter thought led to another, regarding their return there—probably tomorrow—but would the return be permanent? He’d already seen plenty of how Madeline and the children enjoyed being here, and he himself had found a strong sense of coming home since their arrival. “We’re home! You’re home!” his wife had exclaimed when they’d landed in Justin’s office this morning. Home in the sense of being back on the world of his birth, certainly, but home here in Thorn Valley as well? There was an increasing feeling of rightness about the whole idea.

He shelved the idea for now as his family told him how this swim area was one of the first things they’d seen upon their arrival three days ago, and their first real sign of the Rats of NIMH’s activities here. Johnathan told his children more about the hours he’d whiled away at the creekside meadow and how it had always brought him back to happier days. But he was equally pleased at what the Rats had done here. The family and their two little guests, who were still a little uneasy in the presence of so many rats, picked a spot to settle upon, and the children immediately threw off their clothes and coaxed Eric and Sarah to the water’s edge. In a minute all were splashing and laughing without a care.

“Well, should we join them?” asked Madeline.

“In a little while,” replied Johnathan. “But first…” He detailed the matter which had recently crossed his mind, and she agreed that now was as good a time as any to discuss it. Johnathan’s earlier “us…or rather, them” remark came up, and they agreed that both of them were feeling a strong sense that the Rats’ interests and theirs were very much the same; for Madeline, it had increased tenfold in the past day, now that they knew she truly was one of them. But now, knowing this, what were they to do? What would be their best course of action? The matter of the children’s continuing education—whether it could be continued, and under what arrangement—came up as well, this being probably the most important factor in what decision they’d ultimately make.

In a surprisingly short time, they’d reached an agreement on these points, a compromise of sorts, which they would discuss with the children that night. For now, though, the high spirits of those around them had become quite infectious, and so they shed vest and cape and joined their children for a wet, cooling interlude in the cove.

* * *

Inside, preparations for the celebration were proceeding full-tilt. Justin and Willis, who had found themselves sticking together since the meeting had been adjourned, stood in the corridor between the kitchen and the main foyer watching the bustle of rats to and fro, transporting trays and cauldrons of food on wheeled trolleys or carrying tables and chairs and other goods to the outside dining area. This was undoubtedly shaping up to be the biggest celebration seen yet in Thorn Valley, all in honor of their friend and ally and those who’d risked their lives to bring him back. There had been the mildest of objections raised about going overboard with the festivities from some of the “honorees”, but they didn’t last. “It’s okay with me—I’m hungry,” was Willis’s take on the proceedings. The amount of food that would be served would not be at the level of a feast, since they still needed to conserve their supplies; but there were plenty of other events planned that would make this a true celebration, one hoped to be remembered for years to come.

Some rats occasionally stopped to chat with the pair about the Brisby children’s recent activities and interactions with their own, other recent developments while they were gone; but, inevitably, the subject of Jenner came up repeatedly, including the effect the newly-revealed facts about him were having on his family and everyone else who knew him. Soon, answers to the latter subject were forthcoming: Willis first saw this group of eight rats, apparently heading for the kitchen and dining hall, and alerted Justin to their approach. Their own conversation was subdued but none appeared especially troubled.

Justin immediately drew up to the group, greeting each by name. “How are you holding up, Matilda? I know none of this was easy to learn; it was pretty intense for us too.”

“Thank you, Justin.” Matilda hugged him and added, “I guess…we’re all relieved in a way, and it does explain so much that had been so confusing and uncertain.”

“It’s too bad we couldn’t have known about it at the time,” added George, “though I’m not sure we could have done or said anything that would make a difference.”

“At least we now know the truth,” said Melinda. “It’ll change a lot of what we’ve been teaching the children about Jenner, but…I think it’ll be for the better.”

“In any case,” said Melvin, arms around Judith and Bryant’s shoulders, “now we’re ready to join the celebration.”

“And I’d better make sure the kitchen’s still standing,” said Matilda, grinning. The group continued chatting for a few minutes before going their separate ways, Melvin and his wife and children staying with Justin and Willis. The group moved on toward the main foyer.

“We might as well see how things are proceeding outside,” said Justin. It had already been made clear that the honorees were being essentially barred from participating in any of the preparations; they’d been all but commanded to take it easy and leave everything to everyone else.

Just after entering the foyer, they caught sight of the Brisby family coming in from the main entrance, just returning from the lake, all in very high spirits. Justin couldn’t help wondering how Madeline might be handling the increased attention since he’d seen them last, but she seemed as much at ease as her husband and children. “It looks like you all had a good time. So how do you like our beach so far? We do expect to improve it before the end of summer.”

“It’s shaping up great, Justin,” Johnathan replied. “I’d hate to sound disloyal to Gwinthrayle, but I could get to like it as much as his creekside meadow; maybe more.” The family went on to tell Justin about Eric and Sarah’s reappearance, and how they’d since returned home.

“I hope they come by again. I’d like to meet them,” said Justin in all sincerity, genuinely interested in fostering good relations with the local naturals.

“They were still a little wary of all these rats, with their strange ways, but they said they’d want to come back.”

“Great. Well, we were just heading outside ourselves, but…you all feel free to do what you want before they get the festivities started. If you want a little private time, you can certainly…” Justin’s voice fell away suddenly; his distraction was obvious to everyone, and one in particular had a very good idea of its source. Madeline looked in the same direction as he, and she immediately understood, with barely-concealed delight.

On the opposite side of the foyer stood Isabella and her friends Silvio and Miranda and their children, involved in their own private conversation—until they noticed Justin looking their way. They exchanged more words before the young family headed for an adjacent corridor, leaving Isabella standing alone, looking a bit awkward but also with a look of anticipation. Madeline looked up at Justin—briefly, but with an expression that spoke volumes. Melvin, less interested in the source of Justin’s distraction, simply asked if he was coming along.

“You guys go on ahead, I’ll join you in a little while.” Maybe, he added silently before moving off, looking as one with urgent business. When Isabella noticed him heading her way, she at first looked away, feeling almost in a sudden panic, wondering if what she thought was about to happen really was.

The others looked after him curiously, still unaware of but not overly concerned about his sudden departure, though Melvin and Judith had noticed Isabella before; Johnathan, though, looked at his wife with equal curiosity. As they headed for the main entrance, he asked the children to allow him a private word with their mother.

“Maddie…sweetheart, darling, dearest…I have a sudden hunch that you know something I don’t. You wouldn’t be…I don’t know, keeping secrets, would you?” He said this in a playful tone, but she felt the need to put his mind at ease all the same.

“Well, I guess I would be, ah…what’s the word…?”

“...Technically?”

“Yes, technically. But this one wasn’t between us, it was between Justin and me, for the last two days.”

“Oh, I guess that’s all right, then. But why do I have the feeling it won’t be a secret much longer? To anyone? And if so, then, well…”

"...Well," Madeline continued, her own tone playful, "If anyone here has a right to keep a secret..."

"You are never going to let me forget that completely, are you?" Johnathan laughed. "Come on, tellmetellmetellme..."

Madeline laughed. “All right, Johnathan, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” She whispered in his ear “The Secret,” after which he struggled to keep his reaction low-key.

“Get out of here! Justin and—her?” He briefly looked back over his shoulder. “Wow. You know, Maddie…I think…you and I were witness to a ‘carpe diem’ moment.” He explained the term to her.

“‘Seize the day,’” she repeated. “In other words… don’t wait. That’s just what I’d told him.”

* * *

The second-level corridor along which lay the guest quarters and Justin’s office was completely empty right now, unsurprisingly so given this special day. As Justin and Isabella walked along it in near-silence, he couldn’t resist a glance over his shoulder; no doubt, the appearance of the two of them together aroused no small curiosity in anyone who’d seen him approach her and offer her his arm before they went up the ramp together, and they could have been followed. Well, let them follow if they want, he decided. It’ll hardly be a secret for long anyway.

The whole time Isabella could barely say a word to save her life, still unable to completely accept that this was really happening. “There are some things I’ve been wanting to discuss with you, if you wouldn’t mind coming up to my office with me,” he’d told her downstairs; and she could only stammer, “Well, I…you…Yes, of course, Justin,” in reply. What was this all about? Did he really want to be with her in the way she’d hoped—at times, she’d believed, in vain—or was this work-related, like he wanted her to be his assistant, “stealing” her away from Simone? Or something else entirely? Either way, he’d made it clear that he wanted to meet her alone, in his office, and as they approached the door with the ordinary-looking plaque stamped with his name, she felt her heart leap; this would be the first time the two of them were truly alone together.

He opened the door, allowing her to enter first; and after he closed it behind him, she could only say, “This…is the first time I’ve been here, Justin, since we…Well, by myself, I mean. Or not by myself, with…just you…” She felt herself blush, but her embarrassment was not enough to make her turn and flee.

Justin gave her his best, most disarming and reassuring smile, and directed her further in, toward his private quarters. “It’s okay. I can’t blame you for being nervous.” He steered her toward his couch, where they both sat. “In fact…believe it or not, I’m a little bit myself.”

“You…you’re nervous, Justin? That’s a little…hard to believe…”

“Hey, even your fearless leader is subject to the ills that plague the rest of us. I’m no super-rat, even if humans might think of us that way. In fact…you could even blame the NIMH scientists, for what their experiments did to us…” What are you doing, he thought, stop beating around the bush. Justin breathed in deep. “Okay…I know you’re wondering why I asked you here today, as the cliché goes…” He said this knowing that she likely knew full well, from the moment he’d approached her. “You heard our story, and…all that we went through to find Johnathan and bring him home.”

“Oh, yes. Some of that was pretty scary. Being trapped like that…brrr! I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to…” She suddenly looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Justin, I interrupted you.”

“Don’t worry, Izzy. Nothing you do could offend me. But speaking of which…you don’t mind if I call you Izzy, do you?”

In fact she did mind it, in recent times, when family members such as Judith called her Izzy, though they’d been doing it since she was small. These days she preferred Isabella; but now she found her thoughts matched Justin’s, that he could call her almost anything and she wouldn’t mind, so she told him so.

“Okay, Izzy. Anyway, after all that we went through, I found that it gave me a lot to think about afterwards: about all I’d done, especially since we moved to Thorn Valley. We’ve all done well here; we’ve made this community, and are still making it, into what we’d set out to do since we began the Plan for it, to where we could grow and flourish…just as Nicodemus wanted. And it’s been the best experience of my life, seeing it all come to fruition, and being right at the forefront of it all.

“But…I’ve found, more and more, that it’s just…not enough, not for me. I guess…oh, how to put this…When we’d escaped from NIMH, it didn’t take long for all of us—or at least most of us—to realize just how much we needed each other. Not just for survival, not just to look out for one another, but…for close, loving companionship, as mates. And, as you know, there were twenty of us, including your folks, but not an equal ratio: there were eleven males to nine females. And that’s part of the reason that…yours truly stayed unmarried, but only part of it. I was the youngest among us, and largely because of that fact, I was essentially deferring to my elders when we began pairing off. Nicodemus and Arthur chose to stay single, at least as far as any of our conversations told; but it got to the point where Anna was the only unattached female, but…there just wasn’t that spark between her and me. To this day I can’t explain it entirely, but…I do know, more than ever these days, that…I do need that kind of closeness. Seeing Johnathan and Madeline Brisby together again—really seeing them together for the first time, in fact—and then with their children again, was what really did it for me.”

He looked straight into Isabella’s eyes, and her heart leapt anew, her thoughts racing. Could he really mean…Is he about to say that I’m…Is this really happening? Should I ask him if he…Should I wait for him to say… All at once, she saw the truth, as she gazed deeply into his eyes, just as she'd seen in that look he’d given her three days ago, before he left on the mission; but now it seemed to have been magnified a hundredfold. They’d barely noticed how, since they’d sat down, each had moved a little closer to the other; Justin had even placed his arm around Isabella’s shoulders. But now they were both acutely aware of their closeness and what this awareness had to mean.

“Isabella,” he finally said with lingering nervousness, but determinedly, “I think…you’re the one. I’d like to spend much more time with you, to find out…whether it’s true. Isabella…I think I love you.”

Her mouth moved soundlessly for what seemed an eternity. “Justin, I…” She actually felt unable to breathe for a moment. “…I’ve wanted you…I mean I’ve wanted you to say that for…for…” She could only sigh and move closer to him, drawing an arm tentatively around him. He did the same, and for the next two minutes they held each other closely, wordlessly, reveling in each other’s nearness.

Justin pulled back again, facing her. “Isabella…how do you feel? About me?”

She thought, just for a moment, that she’d stumble and stammer again, but instead the words came spilling out. “Justin, I think…I’ve loved you since the Rosebush, when I was still a student. You’d smile at me, and I’d get so nervous and drop everything—literally—and I didn’t know what it meant then. But then I’d see other girls look at you like…well, you know, and you’d be nice to them, just as you were to me, and I’d feel jealous, just a little. But since then, just recently, I think I knew that I didn’t have to feel jealous. Somehow I knew that…you really…cared for me…not in the way you cared for them.” She thought of her conversation with Judith last night, how she’d all but guaranteed that she’d be his choice. And now…she was still finding it hard to accept that this was all real.

“Izzy…while we were away, my thoughts returned to you time and time again. I even confided to Mrs. Brisby that I thought you…were becoming something special to me. By the time we were ready to leave, I vowed that I wouldn’t put this off, that I’d meet with you and talk to you, really talk to you and get to know you, and…tell you how I feel. I really believe it now, that you and I…could be meant for each other.” Again there was that smile, the one that had so melted her heart every time they’d met recently. In reply, Isabella could only smile back as they again embraced tightly. He drew back again. “There’s something else that I wanted to save for now…and see if you like it.” Having drawn inspiration from Sithpha and Dinilom, and following Johnathan and Madeline’s example, he placed his lips against hers gently. She responded easily to his kiss, sighing contentedly. An absurd thought came to him, fleetingly: Has she been practicing with somebody else? It fell by the wayside, never to return, as they continued reveling in the moment.

* * *

In the meadow between the main entrance and the lake, the celebration was just getting underway. Virtually the entire population of the Thorn Valley colony and their guests were either helping themselves at the improvised serving line or were already seated at the tables, digging in. Heading up the musical portion of the festivities were Guard rats Kevin and Lol, who were setting up and tuning their instruments—stringed, woodwind, and percussive devices largely based on human designs, devised and built by the rats. At a table reserved for the guests of honor were seated the Brisby family, Melvin and his family, and Willis. Two more chairs were still empty, one for the last guest of honor and one for his escort, and their continued state of emptiness had prompted much speculation; much of it centering around the fact that Justin had been seen with Isabella, apparently bound for a private meeting. While privacy in such circumstances was generally respected here, this was Justin, after all; and nearly everyone had wondered, since before the Migration, when he’d make a choice—not just the young unattached females who’d be most directly affected by his decision, but his fellow elders and anyone else concerned for his happiness. All of this, of course, hinged upon whether his meeting with Isabella was truly of such a personal nature; and if a poll were to be taken, it would be near-unanimously in favor of “Of course it is!” Meanwhile, the guests of honor weren’t spilling any details, and no one had gotten brave enough to ask any of them yet.

At the musical stage, Kevin and Lol were joined by the other musicians in their band: Kevin’s mother Jolene, his little brother Quincy, and Willis’s younger brother Jemial. Quincy waved to Timothy, who explained to his parents how most of Jolene’s children had musical talent passed on to them by their mother. Johnathan was pleased to hear this; it brought back memories of the Rosebush, where he’d sometimes pass Jolene in the corridors, all but oblivious to others, humming a tune over and over to herself; or find Kevin tapping out a rhythm with sticks upon whatever solid surface was nearby. Unfortunately, there was little chance for any of the Rats to fully develop artistic talents while living there; but now, such talents were being allowed to reach full flower.

As they prepared, Orson consulted with the other guests of honor to decide whether or not to formally announce the beginning of the festivities before Justin’s arrival; and they were literally seconds away from starting without him when a voice called out for most to hear, “Here he comes!” With no noticeable exception every head turned, and someone else was heard to say more quietly, “There they are!”

“They,” of course, were Justin, acknowledging the crowd with a smile and a wave, and his escort Isabella. The sight of the two strolling arm-in-arm elicited a mixture of reactions: some, especially those who’d noticed Isabella’s absence, were pleased that the rumors were confirmed; some seemed genuinely surprised; and some found it hard not to look dismayed, a reaction that seemed exclusive to some of the community’s young unattached females. Justin, largely oblivious to it all, whispered something to Isabella, and she took her place at the table, beside Judith. The two sisters managed to keep their greetings low-key, but both were beaming at this new development. Justin stood in front of the musical stage and raised both arms. Once the crowd had quieted sufficiently, he began to speak.

“Friends…everyone…first of all, I…we appreciate your not starting without us. This is a day…long in coming, in more ways than one. As you know, our friends, the Brisby family, are once again a whole family with Johnathan’s return; and it has come to light that Madeline, his dear, loving wife, is truly one of us in every way. But—and this was their suggestion—let us also celebrate on this day our continued good fortune in this new land. Nicodemus saw Thorn Valley as a place where we could live more freely, without the sense of caution and even paranoia that prevailed at the Rosebush. Times were hard at first, and I won’t bore you with details that you all know very well. But though we’ve stumbled a few times, things have only gotten better; and all I’ve heard from department heads and the rest of you...is that life is good, and can only continue to get better for us.”

Spontaneous applause broke out, and Justin allowed it to continue for half a minute before he went on: “Now…to satisfy everyone’s curiosity: this young lady, Isabella, is my guest to this event today.” His eyes met hers, and she looked back adoringly. “And…we do expect to see more of each other. Now…let the party begin!” He turned to the musicians. “Hit it, boys and girls!”

The band launched into a largely improvised number with a moderate samba beat. A few got up and began to dance while others clapped hands and swayed to the music at their tables.

“About time, old buddy,” said Johnathan as Justin took his place at the table between Isabella and Madeline. Both he and Isabella were already bobbing heads to the rhythm.

“Well, we had a lot to talk about,” Justin said, looking over to Isabella, smiling and touching her hand.

“Mm-hmmm…are you sure it was just talk…old rascal?” Johnathan said with a sly grin and a wink.

Madeline gave him a playful swat on the arm, laughing. “Johnathan, you’re terrible!” Isabella covered her mouth, giggling, as did the Brisby children, even if they didn’t know what their father specifically implied.

“That’s okay, Madeline,” said Justin, looking as one whose spirits couldn’t be dampened by anything short of a sudden natural disaster. “I guess I deserved that one. And, by the way…” He gave her a small nudge. “…let me thank you once more for helping me see the light.”

“I’m glad I could be of help, Justin,” she said. “I’d already told Johnathan, by the way,” she added more quietly.

“I thought as much,” he said, grinning. Just then, two of the kitchen workers arrived with trays laden with food for the last two guests of honor, who dug in with gusto. As they ate, Justin and Isabella continued to converse as they did in his office, talking with increasing ease about whatever subject was on their minds, all the while not shy about allowing many gestures of affection to show: a squeezing of hands here, a caress of a cheek there, even stealing an occasional kiss. They were well aware of the stir they created, but neither cared. The other guests of honor, for their part, respectfully allowed them the space to converse without interrupting; though the two Brisby daughters could barely contain themselves, until at one point Cynthia went over to Isabella and told her how thrilled they were that she and Justin found each other. Teresa was a bit dismayed, but both Justin and Isabella only hugged and thanked Cynthia.

The band played on, and by the time they’d begun their third number most had finished eating; and the piece the band now played, a faster-paced tune with a sprightly, “jumping” quality, quickly had most of the crowd on its feet. The Brisby family watched with wonder as they watched almost all the Rats of NIMH, with few noticeable exceptions, move out to the area reserved as a dance floor and beyond it, dancing up a storm, moving their bodies to the music singly or in pairs. To Johnathan the moment was something of a revelation, crystallizing all he’d been told—and as Justin had just largely confirmed—of how the Rats had been able to let go of some of their sense of caution. He’d wondered just how this celebration would take shape, and he believed he was looking at the answer right now.

It didn’t take long for the guests of honor, rats and mice alike, to join in. Willis made some dance moves involving a lot of wild flailing of arms and legs, though all in time to the music, that had some laughing so hard they almost collapsed. Whether they were laughing at or with him, he didn’t seem to care, though it would seem to lean toward the latter. Melvin and Judith danced less wildly but were clearly enjoying themselves, as were Justin and Isabella, who clearly relished the chance to share this first dance together. Even the Brisby children were persuaded by their new friends to join in, and in short order were twirling around in circles, laughing.

Soon their parents realized that they were the last holdouts. Madeline was clearly reluctant; though she’d enjoyed the music greatly—this being her first real exposure to music of any kind for any real length of time—dancing was something she’d never considered doing, though she couldn’t deny feeling a pull toward the dance floor, since everyone was enjoying himself or herself so much. In quite short order, Johnathan was able to persuade her, and soon they were jumping and twirling with the best of them.

The band was clearly caught up in the spirit of things, and kept this number—mostly improvised, like the first—going for some ten minutes before bringing it to a conclusion, after which they announced they were taking a break, since they’d had only a small bite to eat before. As they ate, many others came by to talk with the guests of honor. Arthur, as he’d promised Madeline, recounted some of his advance crew’s experiences here in Thorn Valley before the rest of the population joined them. Justin, as he’d promised, had stories about his and Johnathan’s experiences to share; though he hadn’t expected, three days ago, to be sharing them in Johnathan’s presence. Matilda and Bryant reminded him how he’d once given them the advice of “never go to bed angry,” and Matilda told him how she’d told Madeline this three days ago. Back on Lahaikshe, during the tunnel trudge, Madeline had been curious about the circumstances behind Nicodemus’s agreement with Anna to have a child together—Brutus—and she and her husband George, Melvin’s twin brother, were happy to share all but the most personal details. Brutus dropped by to chat as well; he’d had little chance to before now due to him and others of the Guard continuing to run security while preparations for the celebration were going on.

When the band was ready to start up again, Quincy invited his new friend Timothy to sit in on a number or two, handing him a couple of shakers. He accepted the challenge, and found himself able to keep up and stay in rhythm almost the whole time, which he found pleased him greatly. Music-making, he realized, was definitely in his blood.

During this number, which was slower, Willis was approached by a female that the Brisby family, including the children, was acquainted with: Sabrina, sister to Guard rats Philip and Darwin and oldest daughter of Orson and Lucretia. The two danced slowly together and progressively closer, and it became clear that she was the one with whom he had a mutual attraction, as he’d told Justin and Melvin back at Gwinthrayle’s. They shared the next dance as well, as closely as before; and at its end, the two looked to be as inseparable as any couple truly in love. Another couple that piqued the interest of many was Willis’s twin sister Deena, and Brutus, who, as a dancer, was actually quite light on his feet, surprisingly so to those who hadn’t known him too long.

The celebration continued through the afternoon and into the early evening. As well as music, there were many games and sporting matches, such as wrestling, all played with great sportsmanship and without grudge or envy. Not even the approach of rain clouds dampened any spirits; all were prepared to move the festivities indoors if necessary, and so anyone who could carry or push something was mobilized to do so—again, with the exception of the guests of honor.

Johnathan noticed Timothy talking with Quincy as the band was gathering its equipment, and suggested to Madeline that now would be a good time to address a matter with him that would be best carried out in private, since they’d already realized it may be difficult for him to talk about. She agreed, and they approached him just as he noticed them looking his way.

“Hey, Tim,” said Johnathan, “let’s go for a walk, just us three.”

“Um…okay, but shouldn’t we be getting inside soon?” He looked up at the cumulus clouds advancing from the southwest end of the valley.

“This won’t take long,” Johnathan said as he took his son’s hand and his mother took the other.

“Okay. Well, I guess I’m trapped now,” he joked.

As they strolled towards the swimming cove, Johnathan got right to the point. “Tim, when we were in Justin’s office, and…we first saw each other again…do you remember what you said to me?”

“Mmm, yeah…” Timothy replied hesitantly. “I said…‘I knew you’d come back,’ and…‘I always knew.’”

“Then,” Madeline said, “I guess you know what our next question will be.”

“You mean, how did I know that. Yeah…well…” He breathed in deep; he’d known this was coming, but still felt hesitant, though he wouldn’t have been able to say why, precisely.

“Tim, dear,” said Madeline, “we’ve all known about your ‘funny feelings’ a long time.”

“That’s right,” added Johnathan, “and this sounds to us like one of them.”

Timothy sighed. Suddenly looking decisive, he said, “You’re right. This is one of them, maybe...the biggest one I've ever had. I guess…I’ve kept it to myself so long, that it feels strange to share it. But…” He looked at the faces of both his parents, knowing well he had nothing to hide from them. “…I guess it started the day you left us, Dad. After Auntie Shrew broke the news to us, we couldn’t…do a lot except just go to bed.” He sighed. “You know what it was like, Mom.”

“We both do, dear. And we know this may not be easy for you, but…”

“It’s okay. I want to tell you.” They sat down next to one of the bushes near the cove. “Anyway…in the middle of the night, I woke up, and I felt…strange. I don’t know how else to describe it. I got up without waking anyone else, and I started walking around the house. I looked out the window, and then I went to the front door. I opened it and just stood there for a while, looking up at the moon and stars. I thought about what had happened, and suddenly…I just knew. I said to myself, ‘Daddy’s not gone. He’s out there somewhere. And someday…he’s going to come back to us.’” He paused, looking at both his parents’ faces. “I didn’t even need to think about it too much, it just came to me. I still don’t know why. I wondered if I should tell you, Mom, maybe even wake you up to tell you. But then I thought about it, and I decided it wouldn’t be a good idea. I thought I’d need to explain it better than that, and that if I said it just came to me, you wouldn’t believe me, or else it would make you feel sad. So I thought I might as well just go back to sleep, so I did. I actually slept pretty well the rest of the night.”

“But you didn’t tell her in the morning, did you?” said Johnathan.

“No, I didn’t. I thought that if I did, she’d just worry about when it would happen, and I wouldn’t be able to tell her. But I was still sure about it. The feeling had really been with me all that time, from then right up until this morning. I even started to get the feeling, even before you came back, that the mission had something to do with you.” He sat closer to Johnathan, looking up at him, smiling. “I almost said so to Martin one time. And after we learned about your using the Stone, it was even stronger. I wanted to share it with somebody, maybe Cynthia, but I thought it’d be better if I just waited to find out for sure. And…when it happened, when I saw you…” Timothy paused to swallow a lump in his throat. “…I was just so happy that the words just came right out, and I didn’t care how they came out.” His eyes glistened with tears.

As he wrapped his arms around his younger son, Johnathan wondered anew about the potential in all of his children, Timothy in particular. His “funny feelings” had long been recognized and accepted by the family, and had always fit the same basic pattern: that at a time of crisis, major or minor, he would predict a positive outcome, and it would come true. When Madeline would go out on a food-gathering trip and it seemed to be taking too long, he’d say with conviction to his sibs that she would soon be returning safely. During his bout with pneumonia, he repeatedly assured his mother that all would turn out well. When asked how he knew these things, he’d just say he felt it, as much as he’d feel the pain of a stubbed toe, or the pleasure he’d get from eating a favorite food. But this one, this conviction that he’d kept secret for the last ten months…it may have been just another example of this ability of his in action, but it was almost as if he’d maintained a spiritual connection to his father as well, even while Johnathan was nowhere in the only world his family knew. At any rate, there could be no doubt now that this was a genuine and special talent of his, and everyone should continue to take it seriously. It was all the more remarkable for the fact that, at such a tender age, he’d had the maturity to realize the possible consequences had he not kept it secret. Johnathan recalled the thought he’d had earlier, just after their reunion, that Timothy might have the brightest future out of all of his children. It wasn’t as if he believed Tim’s siblings wouldn’t have great success, and he certainly didn’t want to play favorites; but he couldn’t deny the feeling, not completely.

As she stroked Timothy’s shoulder, Madeline smiled at the wonderful irony of it: that she didn’t want to upset the children by telling them about the impressions, and here was Timothy sitting on his own little secret for the same reason; and for a longer period of time, at that. Later, she and Johnathan would discuss how Timothy’s putting off revealing his secret compared to what Johnathan had been keeping from his own family, and they would agree that Timothy had the stronger case for procrastination.

The three continued talking over the matter, and Timothy agreed that it would be all right if they shared this information with his siblings, and maybe—eventually—Justin and some of the other rats as well. Presently Kevin came racing up to them, advising them that the storm was advancing fast and they’d better come inside soon. They took the advice, all feeling very satisfied at the discussion’s conclusion.

Inside, some of the tables and chairs were left in the corridors to make room for more performance and dancing space in the dining hall, where the main part of the celebrating resumed well into the evening. Besides further performances from the band, in which Timothy and others continued to sit in, there was more dancing, further wrestling matches and a storytelling session which prompted the suggestion that Timothy entertain the crowd with one of his own. He was hesitant at first but remembered well his own advice, to pretend he was addressing just his own family. He launched confidently into the “cat invasion” story he’d regaled his family with the night before they began the trip to Thorn Valley, the fact that his father was hearing it for the first time making it easier. It was enthusiastically received by all.

By around 9 o’clock the festivities had quieted considerably. The mood throughout the community was still joyful but more subdued and restrained, the steady light rain tapping against the window panes enhancing the mood. The Brisby family largely spent the waning hours of the day in the dining hall, and there was a steady stream of will-wishers; Johnathan estimated nearly everyone had come by to personally congratulate him on his return and convey their best wishes to him and his family. There were more stories told, real ones from Justin and Arthur, that kept the Brisby family enthralled, among them one which resolved a matter Madeline had strangely neglected to ask Johnathan about: the inscription on the back of the pendant housing the Stone, for which he had commissioned Arthur to inscribe it a month or so after if it had come into his possession.

It was clear that the day was beginning to tell on everyone,as adults and children alike had increasing difficulty suppressing yawns. There was one more slow dance from the band before they called it a night. Johnathan and Madeline took part, at one point doing little more than just embracing tightly on the floor, in fact barely moving; it was a moment they’d look back on as the perfect ending to the day. Nearly everyone else in the group joined in as well: Justin and Isabella, who would surely remember the moment in the same way; Melvin and Judith, both still full of thankfulness over his safe return; Arthur and Melinda, for whom the moment was still bittersweet after what they’d learned about her father. Willis and Sabrina created something of a stir when, at the song’s conclusion, they wished everyone the briefest of good nights and made a quick exit. Johnathan and Madeline were instantly reminded of their first night together, and their more recent interlude back in Gwinthrayle’s gardens.

Arthur had just completed one short tale of his crew’s preparations from last winter when those still remaining agreed to call it a night. Though the Brisbys weren’t planning on leaving early tomorrow, all still felt the need to rest up, and so everyone parted company for the day. The Brisbys retired to the guest quarters, which Johnathan had only seen briefly today. On the way there was little discussion of future plans; if the children had questions, they kept them to themselves for now.

Everyone was almost finished taking turns using the washbasin for brushing their teeth when Johnathan, in the midst of giving the room and its furnishings a once-over, felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Uh…Dad? You got a minute?”

“Are you kidding, Martin?” Johnathan said with a broad smile. “Of course!” He gave his son a quick hug. “I know. You’ll be glad when I get over it, right? Well, right now I can’t see that happening for a while. It’s just so good to be back.”

“It’s cool, Dad, I understand. I like having you back too.”

“So, what’s on your mind?” They hopped up to the edge of the parents’ bed.

“Well…I know Mom’s already told you about the night you went away, and…how Auntie Shrew told us the news, after she’d heard it from someone else.”

“Ah, yes, Auntie Shrew. Your favorite and mine,” Johnathan said with a laugh. “I know she was always a help to us, but, well…I’m sorry, son, I interrupted you.”

“That’s okay. Anyway…well, I guess you know that I didn’t get along too well with her before…but after that night, I really didn’t get along with her.” He chuckled. “I mean, every time she came around, I just…I couldn’t help it, I’d feel like…I couldn’t stand her being there at all. I’d just get furious. Usually Mom would be there, and I’d…keep it all in. But there were other times, like last spring when Tim got sick, and Mom got the medicine from Mr. Ages…and Auntie Shrew came by, and I just…got so mad at her being there. Teresa tried to talk me down, but we really started to go at it. Then Mom returned, and Auntie Shrew left, and suddenly I…I just felt like I let her down, especially at a time like that, when Tim was sick and…we were all worried about him.” He paused, sighing. “After all that was over, I got along with her…a little better, I guess; after all we’d been through, with our house sinking in the mud…we all could have died then, Dad, all of us. I never blew up at her like that again, but still…”

Johnathan placed an arm around Martin’s shoulders, musing silently about how he wished he’d been there. “So…do you think there’s a reason she pushed your buttons so bad?”

“Yeah, I do,” Martin replied with surprising conviction. “The other day, we were all waiting for some word, anything about Mom and Justin and the others, especially after we learned they’d used the Stone to go somewhere; and I kind o’ blew up at Silvio and Miranda when they couldn’t tell us anything. And he said, Silvio did…‘Don’t kill the messenger.’” Johnathan began nodding to himself, already seeing where this was going. “After he explained what he meant, it hit me all at once: that this was what I’d been doing…to Auntie Shrew. I wasn’t even aware of it, but it was like…I was blaming her for you, for your going away, and that was why…I resented her so much.”

Johnathan pulled his eldest son closer to him. “Wow. Martin, I’m really proud of you. We all have those moments, where we realize things about ourselves that we may not have even suspected; but it’s always good to face them head-on and admit them, and not keep them to ourselves.”

“Yeah. It actually feels good.”

“I’m glad. So…what’ll you do now? Or rather, the next time you see her?”

He squirmed a bit. “Oh, I’m…still working it out. But I’ll definitely talk to her.”

“Without losing your temper?”

Martin rolled his eyes. “Of course, Dad, I’ll be cool.”

The conversation turned to lighter fare, and soon father and son were laughing and joking with each other, and before long it turned into an impromptu wrestling match on the bed. The rest of the family, attracted by the commotion, came over, and almost immediately Timothy leaped into the fray. Cynthia was next, to her mother’s initial dismay; but after Teresa joined in, Madeline shrugged, deciding “Why not?” and followed her. After all, it had been so long since they’d all been able to play together in such a carefree fashion, and she couldn’t deny that they really needed this. And so for the next few minutes the bed became a laughing, shrieking, constantly-shifting blanket of multicolored fur with tails and limbs flying akimbo as the family allowed one final burst of celebratory energy.

After the commotion had died down, the parents described to the children in detail the agreement they’d decided upon earlier: that they’d return to their creekside home tomorrow, but would keep open the option to move here to Thorn Valley permanently, with a final decision to be made after about a month. They had already discussed the matter with Justin, and, of course, he gave it his instant and wholehearted approval. The children’s reactions were predictably and overwhelmingly positive, to say the least, with more shrieks, laughter, thank-yous and other expressions of gratitude; though they were tempered by varying degrees of reluctance, on the part of each of them, both to leave Thorn Valley at this point and to leave their old home permanently. This was precisely why, Johnathan told them, they’d have a “trial” period before making a final decision. All agreed it made sense, and so, with everyone by now yawning anew, they made final preparations for bedtime.

Johnathan and Madeline lay awake a bit longer than the children, snuggled in each other’s arms, whispering about their near-future plans, still unable to say for sure if they’d want to move here permanently after the trial period; but not overly concerned, positive that it would all become clearer in 30 days. Madeline recalled how, upon first laying eyes upon the bed they were both sleeping in for the first time, she’d wished she could share it with Johnathan, for all she thought at the time that it was impossible. “Sometimes wishes do come true, even the most unlikely-sounding ones,” he remarked, nuzzling her ear. He looked toward the nightstand upon which the Stone lay, after he'd spent virtually the entire day wearing it. “Did you know… the day after our first night together, when I had that conversation with Nicodemus, I told him that…I regarded you as a rare jewel. Kind of ironic, isn’t it? That was a whole year before I found another rare jewel.”

“Mm-hm,” she murmured thoughtfully. “And you started calling me a rare jewel, though neither of us knew what was in store.”

“Neither did Nicodemus. Would you believe…I told him I’d always love you, until one of us took a final breath…and then he told me that he hoped that day would be in the far distant future. I knew at the time that he was just offering me hope, but…it’s almost as if he knew we’d grow old together. He always maintained that he couldn’t see that far into the future, but…it does make one wonder.”

“We knew so little of what would happen, but now…everything is wide open for us, Johnathan, even if we still can’t predict the future.”

“Yes. And with the Stone still in our possession, it should make things interesting, to say the least. But the one thing that’s still certain…is that I’ll always love you.” He kissed her deeply. They hadn’t even begun to consider what their continued possession of the Stone meant for them, or how they would use it. It was one more thing that was too much to consider now, not when their being together again was the most important thing in their lives. They slipped into slumber, looking forward to their first day in their own home again.