Stella and Vivo walked together for a while.

Pretty soon, they found themselves walking along a pier.

As they were walking, Stella asked, "Quick question: How far do you think Cuba is from here?"

Vivo responded, "I'm not exactly sure. When I flew over here, it only took a couple of hours."

Stella chuckled, "I'm not surprised. Cuba is actually only 90 miles away."

Vivo was surprised again, "Really?"

He then wondered, "Wait, how do you know?"

Stella responded, "Anyone here would know that, even a five-year-old."

Vivo felt slightly insulted.

Stella then asked, "But how would a five-year-old know, you may ask?

Vivo looked at her with slight confusion.

Stella then stopped.

"That's how."

Vivo turned to where she looked.

He silently gasped.

It was a giant concrete landmark.

It was painted different streaks of colors.

There were painted words on it as well.

But what truly stood put the most to Vivo were the words that read '90 miles to Cuba'.

Stella said, "This is the Southernmost Point. A special landmark to remind us just how close we are the Cuba...And not just culturally."

Vivo looked at her, "What do you mean?"

Stella said, "You see, Vivo, a very long time ago, when Cuba was under an unfair rule, Cuban exiles travelled all the way from Cuba in search of freedom...and their journey took brought them here, in Key West. Soon, Cuban culture became a special  part of Key West."

Vivo didn't know how to respond to that.

He looked back at the Southernmost Point.

Vivo just slowly walked up to it.

He then slowly put his paw right on it.

Vivo felt like...he was touching Cuba.

He never realized that all the time he spent in Key West, he was also in a place that has special connections with his first home.

Stella then said, "You see, Vivo, while you aren't in Cuba anymore...you are actually never far from it."

Vivo also realized, "Which means that even though I'm now living a new life with Gabi...I'm also never far away from the great memories of my old life with Andrés."

Stella responded, "That's right."

Vivo then climbed on top of the landmark with Stella.

The two then looked out at the vast ocean.

And how beautifully it lit up the night.

After a while, Stella said, "Vivo, I'm sorry about Andrés. But no matter where you are, no matter how far you get from Cuba...he will always be with you...he will never be far away."

All of that suddenly sounded familiar to Vivo.

Vivo then remembered a truly important memory.

***

It was a beautiful night in Havana.

Baby Vivo was wrapped in a soft blanket with Andrés handling him gently.

When the little one yawned, Andrés knew it was time for bed.

And so, he got up and walked the sleepy baby kinkajou to his little bed.

And as he did, Andrés sang him a special lullaby.

***

🎵Goodnight, mi cantor

Time to close your eyes

And save these questions for another day

I think I know what you've been asking me

I think you know what I've been trying to say

I promised I would never leave you

And you should always know

Wherever you may go

No matter where you are

I never will be far away🎵

(Baby Vivo was safely tucked in bed and was still a little awake.

Andrés carefully rocked his bed as continued singing)

🎵Goodnight, mi cantor

Now it's time to sleep

And still so many things I want to say

Remember all the songs you sang with me

When we went sailing on an emerald bay

And like a boat out on the ocean

I'm rocking you to sleep

The water's dark

And deep inside this ancient heart

You'll always be a part of me

Goodnight, mi cantor

Now it's time to dream

And dream how wonderful your life will be

Someday your heart may cry

And if you sing this lullaby

Then in your heart

There will always be a part of me

Someday I may be gone

But lullabies go on and on...

They never die

That's how you and I will be🎵

***

Vivo knew Stella was right.

Even though Andrés was gone, as long as he held onto their precious memories together...

Well, it was kind of like he was there.

Vivo then turned to Stella.

"Thank you."

Stella responded, "Of course."

The two then looked into each other's eyes.

They both virtually had hearts in their eyes.

The two then looked back out at the sea reflecting the moon and stars.

The two scooched closer.

When they got really close, Vivo couldn't resist putting his arm around her shoulders.

And Stella, in turn, couldn't resist resting her head on his shoulder.

And their soft tails gently wrapped around each other.

The two just relaxed and admired the beautiful night...

...and each other's company.