The Sentinels whiskey kisses

PLOT TWIST

the boy got what he wanted from Aria, but he felt no different --  no better. somehow the thought of leaving the redwood forest became more and more pervasive; he stared off into the distance over her shoulder, and his features set first into a blank expression, then one of determination.

"i have to go," he whispered, wanting desperately to embrace her, to kiss her, though he made no move to do either. suddenly his head was awhirl! he blinked and stood to his paws.

"tell ... please tell everyone i love them. and ... goodbye."

the boy turned and with a long stride, he broke into a run, for the southlands.

he did not look back, though his throat clenched with a single sob.