The Parting Gift

Their heroes were leaving already?

"Elora, after you leave this time, will you come back again?"

A little girl of eight or nine held Elora's hand, reluctant to let go.

Elora stroked her head. "When I get the chance, I'll definitely come back."

But the girl lowered her head sadly. "Mom says when people promise ‘next time,' it usually never happens."

The girl's mother quickly pulled her back, lookin