Mercy opened the front door to her abode, then rushed down the porch steps. She sprinted along the pathway, her long light brown hair streaming out behind her. A man was currently placing some crates into the back of a wooden wagon. A saddled up horse was hooked up to the wagon, and was patiently waiting for the man to be finished.

As soon as she reached her father, Miraz, Mercy hugged him. "Father, do you have to go?" Mercy asked him, then looked up at his tranquil face. Miraz's gentle baby blue gaze met her cyan blue stare. "I'm afraid so, my child, but don't worry. I will safely return in a few days." Miraz responded as a small smile formed on his face. "Take care of your mother while I'm gone, alright?" He said, then playfully ruffled Mercy's hair. She softly laughed, then smiled. "I will, father. Don't worry." Mercy replied. "That's my girl. Well, I must be off. I'll see you in a few days!" With that said, Miraz mounted the saddled horse and off they went.

Mercy watched Miraz and the disappear into the distance until she couldn't see them any longer, no matter how hard she dared to try. She softly sighed as she began to miss her father already. A few days feels like a long way away right now.

"Hi, Mercy. Did your father depart for his trip?" A feminine voice asked. Mercy looked over at Molly, whom was now standing next to her. Mercy solemnly nodded in response. "Yeah." She replied. Molly placed her hand on Mercy's shoulder in a reassuring manner. A small smile formed on Molly's friendly face. "Don't worry, my friend. He will return before you know it." Mercy couldn't help returning the smile. "I know, but-" She trailed off for a short moment, then continued. "I just miss him so much!" Mercy exclaimed, then sighed. "I know you do, but he won't be gone long. Besides, goodbye isn't forever." Molly said gently.

An idea suddenly dawned inside of Molly's mind. "Would you like to have some tea at my house? I'm sure Isaiah will be glad to see you." She said. Mercy instantly perked up. Well, I do enjoy a nice cup of tea. Mercy thought. "Sure, Molly." Mercy responded with a cheerful smile. "Excellent! Let's go!" Molly exclaimed, then led the way back to her and Isaiah's house.

     Once Mercy and Molly had reached Molly's house, they made their way up the porch steps. Molly proceeded to open the front door, then stepped inside with Mercy. Instantly, a fawn-colored pug ran up to them, wagging her short curly tail. Her body was wriggling with excitement, and the overjoyed pug was unable to sit still. Mercy softly laughed at the adorable sight. Molly smiled in response. "Talulah does that every time when either Isaiah or I come home." Molly said.

     Talulah stared up at Molly with her warm brown eyes, then followed the blind woman as Molly entered the kitchen with Mercy. "I'm home, Isaiah!" Molly called. She soon picked up a faint response from her brother, whom was somewhere within the house. Molly then turned to Mercy. "Let's make some tea, shall we?" Mercy nodded in agreement. "Alright."

     After making the tea, both Molly and Mercy were holding cups filled with warm tea, and the two friends were sitting on the couch in Molly's living room. Talulah was curled up on one of the chairs in the very same room, and was currently fast asleep. Mercy felt quite content, a sense of peace flowing through her very being. "This is nice." Mercy said softly, then closed her eyes for a moment. Molly nodded in agreement. "It is."

     Isaiah walked downstairs, then entered the living room. He smiled at the sight. "Greetings, Mercy. How've you been this fine evening?" He asked her, then sat down in a nearby chair. "Oh, I've been fine." Mercy responded, then opened her cyan blue eyes. "What about you, Isaiah?" Mercy asked. Isaiah began to reply as a smile formed on his face. "I've been fine. Thank you for asking." Mercy returned the smile. "You're welcome."

     Isaiah suddenly spoke once more. "I was thinking about getting an occupation soon." He said, continuing. "I still don't know what I'm going to choose." He confessed. "I was thinking about being either a poet or a teacher. What do you think?" Mercy smiled. "I think it's great! And don't worry if you're unsure. You'll figure it out." She responded. "For some reason, I've always thought being a librarian might suit you." Mercy confessed. "Maybe." Isaiah said with a shrug. "I guess I could give it a try when I attempt to find an occupation." He said. Mercy smiled again. "That's the spirit, Isaiah!" She said.

Suddenly, a grandfather clock began to chime from somewhere in the house, signaling that it was late. "Is it that late, already?" Molly asked, then stifled sigh. "I'm afraid so." Isaiah responded with a small frown. "Time sure does fly." Mercy commented, then stood up. She smiled as she hugged Isaiah, and then Molly. "I should be heading back. Bye, Isaiah! Bye, Molly!" Mercy said, then exited the room. She proceeded to walk over to the front door, then opened it. After Isaiah and Molly had said their goodbyes, Mercy exited the house and proceeded to walk home.