Until we meet again.

The next day, Kelvin and Dave were preparing to leave after eating breakfast. Yesterday's game, which Sebastian and Kelvin played, had ended with Kelvin beating Sebastian 12-9, leaving Kelvin laughing and boasting about showing Sebastian who's the boss.

After finishing breakfast, they bid farewell to Sebastian and Valerian.

"Bye, Dave. Make sure to come visit me someday, okay?" Valerian said warmly, giving Dave a heartfelt hug.

"Sure, I'll definitely visit you. And you could visit me too. Just tell Sebastian you want to come over, and I'm sure he'll bring you to my place," Dave replied, making Valerian smile.

"And there are some foods and DIY projects I want to try with you. I saw them on Pinterest, and I can't wait till we meet again," Valerian added with excitement.

"Really? Don't worry, I'll visit soon. And if I can't, you can come over instead," Dave said. "Do you have a phone?" he asked.

Valerian shook his head. "For now, I don't. I usually sneak onto Sebastian's phone to check out stuff I like or want to make on Pinterest. I even downloaded the app there."

"Seriously?" Dave chuckled. "Tell him to get you a phone, then."

"I've told him, but he says no because he thinks I'd use it to plan my escape by calling my boss. As if I even know her number," Valerian said, rolling his eyes. "But I can give you his number. You can call him if you want to talk to me."

Dave handed his phone to Valerian, who quickly typed in Sebastian's number.

"So, until we meet again, right?" Valerian asked.

"Yes, Valerian. Until we meet again," Dave replied with a nod.

"Thanks so much, Sebastian. I can't thank you enough for accepting me during hard times," Kelvin said as he hugged Sebastian tightly.

"It's no big deal, Kelvin. I'd happily do it for Dave. And feel free to call whenever you're in trouble," Sebastian replied, smiling warmly as he hugged Kelvin back. "And don't think I'll let you leave just like that after that 12-9 win. Luck was on your side, that's all. When we meet again, we'll have a rematch," Sebastian added with a teasing smirk.

Kelvin laughed. "Sure, we'll have a rematch, and I'll still beat you the same way."

"In your dreams, Kelvin. I won't spare you next time," Sebastian retorted.

"Okay, let's wait and see," Kelvin said, both of them smiling.

"Well, we'll be going now. Until we meet again," Kelvin said, and Sebastian and Valerian nodded. After a few more words, Kelvin and Dave left.

---

A few hours later, at Kelvin's home…

"Please don't tell me to calm down! I can't wait anymore. I've had enough!" Elena's voice echoed through the house as she yelled at Rebecca.

"This is the fourth day, and my son is nowhere to be seen. I'm involving the police in this! You won't even tell me what's going on," she said, her frustration evident.

"Please calm down. I understand what you're going through, but just be a little patient. They'll be here soon," Rebecca pleaded.

"No, no, no. You've been saying this for the past four days with no results, and you expect me to calm down? No, I can't, Rebecca! I need to see my son right now," Elena shouted.

"Please try to calm your wife down. Just a little more patience," Haymen urged Alan, Dave's father, but Alan simply shook his head.

"I can't, Haymen. I think we've had enough patience and given you enough time, but still, there's no sign of Dave. I'm sorry, but I can't do anything. She'll do whatever she wants," Alan said.

As Elena was about to lash out at Rebecca again, the door creaked open, and two figures stepped in.

Elena and Alan turned to the door, and tears streamed down Elena's cheeks.

"Oh, my baby," she said, spreading her arms wide as Dave ran into them for a warm hug.

"Mom, I've missed you," Dave said softly.

"I've missed you so, so much, darling. I don't think I could've handled not seeing you today. My baby," she said, hugging him tightly.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" she asked, pulling back to scan his body. Thankfully, she saw no wounds or scars.

"I'm fine, Mom. I'm perfectly fine," Dave assured her, planting a kiss on her forehead.

"Dave, how are you doing? And where have you been?" Alan asked as he walked closer.

"Dad, I'm good. Look, I'm perfectly fine," Dave said, turning around to show him. It was evident he had been well taken care of. He looked more radiant and happy, which brought a satisfied smile to Alan's face. He decided not to press Dave for answers about where he'd been, as all that mattered was that he was back safe and sound.

Kelvin approached his parents, hugging them both, which made them smile happily. They had been worried that Kelvin might distance himself from them after learning about his mother and her death, but to their relief, none of that had happened.

"How are you, dear?" Rebecca asked, gently patting his head.

"I'm good. Perfectly fine," Kelvin said, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"I'm really happy that both of you are fine. Stay safe, dear," she said, feeling overwhelmed. Kelvin noticed her holding back tears and gave her another hug, gently patting her hair.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll be perfectly fine. Nothing is going to happen," he assured her.

Elena walked over to Rebecca and took her hands. "I'm so sorry for my earlier reaction. I was starting to get scared, and—"

"I understand, Elena. You don't have to apologize. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably do the same thing. It's no problem. I know it was just fear and anxiety. There's no need to say sorry," Rebecca said, pulling her into a hug.

"I'm really sorry," Elena repeated.

"It's no big deal, Elena. Okay, why don't we all go out to town for a great meal and some shopping? It'll be like a mini reunion celebration," Rebecca suggested, making Elena smile.

"That sounds perfect. Let's get ready, then," Elena agreed, and with that, they headed off to prepare.