RECONCILED

Knock! Knock! Knock! 

Nikolai was startled by the loud and incessant knocking on his door. He blinked his eyes several times and only realized that he was actually crying. 

[Ceres, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being selfish, but I still couldn't bring myself to let you go. I'll find you. No matter what happens, wherever you are in this world, I will find you.] 

"Nikolai!" called Mrs. Sloan when no one answered her knock. "Nikolai it's time for dinner! Come down and join us."