The words fell into the warm air of their kitchen, landing among scattered toys and childhood memories, promises of future visits mixing with the weight of present goodbyes. Jacob hugged Mr. Quacksly closer, and for a moment, they all felt the delicate balance of family - how it could be simultaneously an anchor and a sail, holding you steady while pushing you toward unknown horizons.

Outside, wind chimes caught a breeze, their melody carrying across years of departures and returns, each note a reminder that sometimes coming home wasn’t about staying, but about remembering why you needed to leave in the first place.