hesper's goodbyes

Instructions

... with the docks in sight, the winds seem to pick up speed, pushing the little recovery boat along quite quickly. excitement seems to have overtaken almost every soul aboard. almost. .. Hesper held a frown on his face, watching the rapidly-approaching land with a certain sadness. Lobster and Crab sat beside him, the two lovely shipcats of The Crustacean. ... Crab was the first to speak, the same sadness in her voice. "So. Does this mean you're leaving?" Hesper sighed, not taking his eyes off the sea as he responded. "Aye. I 'on't intend on fo'gettin' you two." Lobster only nodded, breathing shakily as tears welled in her eyes. The two red siamese twins had become sisters to him. After being left behind, Hesper thought he was doomed to ashes. Yet he lived, saved by Lobster and Crab and The Crustacean. He would be eternally grateful. They'd welcomed him, treated him as one of their own, taught him their language. Spanish sounded strange in Hesper's voice, yet he knew it fluently. Now he had to leave all that behind. He clenched his jaw. "You' become sis'ers to me. I really do wish I could stay. But ya know I can'" ... Over the next hours, the 'siblings' engaged in celebration. Laughter, crying, and desperation filled the air. ... The Crustacean slowed to a jerking stop. Twolegs shouted around at each other, tossing roped anchors overboard and tying knots around steel. Tears formed in Hesper's eyes, dampening his cheek fur. The twins each placed a paw over one of his, a silent plea to stay. He looked away, not daring to look them in the eyes. He yearned to stay with them, to venture off through the seven seas. But he had siblings. Responsibilities. Perhaps one day he'd see them again. "Goodbye, sisters. Prométeme que te veré una vez más." Lobster teared up, pushing her muzzle into Crab, who nodded certainly, responding for the two of them. "Lo prometemos. Just don't give up on us." Hesper nodded, no longer able to speak on account of his tightened throat. He hopped down from the surface of The Crustacean, feeling strange on solid land. He looked back only once, just to make sure they were still there. And they were, watching Hesper leave them with sadness in their matching gazes. ... Hesper pushed through the docks with a sadness weighting his heart. He’d never have what he just gave up again. Yet he could feel the new adventures awaiting his arrival. He was home. .. the grass blows softly in the wind, sun warming the earth, creating the perfect weather for a journey. strange cats lurk around these parts of the world, all the better for a wanderer to explore. ...