A Heartfelt Farewell ( 135 )

Liana walked slowly toward the Pekko pen, her steps heavy with emotion. As she approached, Buddy and Pikko perked up, chirping softly at her arrival. Their vibrant feathers shimmered in the sunlight, a sight that usually brought her peace. But today, her heart felt too heavy to find any comfort.

"Hello, Buddy, Pikko," she said softly, kneeling by the trough. Her hands moved, changing the water and refilling their food. She brushed her fingers along Buddy's beak, his playful nudge almost bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.

"They love you, you know," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Liana paused, her hands resting on the edge of the trough. The lump in her throat grew harder to swallow as she thought about Javier—the young master who had been her everything. She had watched him grow, laugh, and become the bright, mischievous boy who never failed to warm her heart.