"I don't want to say goodbye."

The small figure hunkered down, sulking as they looked out at the field area of Portia at the fluffy pink Colorful Llama that roamed the area. Another figure sat next to them, leaning back against the palm of their hands, not moving, head tilted towards them. After a pause, the older boy said, "It's not goodbye, though. We'll see each other again. I mean, it's not as if Mom will keep you from visiting."

"But," the younger boy sighed, resting his hands on his chin. "You and Mom aren't speaking with each other, Arlo."

"And?" Arlo said, his head tilting slightly.

"What if she doesn't want me to see you?"

"Yes, well, her not wanting you to see me here in Portia," Arlo said, looking up at the sky. "That would mean she's preventing you from seeing Uncle Gale, Ginger, and Gust."

"I could live with not seeing Gust," Sebastian frowned. "He's mean."

Arlo let out a laugh. "He is, is he?"

"He thinks Ginger and I are annoying?"

"He's just not as thrilled at being an older brother like I am." Arlo let out a laugh. "But him losing his mom and blaming Ginger might not help, just like Mom's upset with me for following in Dad's footsteps. But," Arlo held out a finger, indicating they should pinky-promise. "I'll always be your older brother, and you will always be my little brother. That will never change, but let's promise that even if Mom prevents you from seeing me, Seb, that you will come and see me when you're big enough, and I'll see if I can't get a job that takes me wherever you and mom are going."

"' Kay," Sebastian said, reaching out his own pinky finger, the corner of his mouth twisting into a smile. "I promise."