Porcupine Ridge All children, except one, grow up.

adi shook his head at her reasoning, gentle but firm. do you know how many left for whatever reason, only to return and be welcomed with nothing but love? he asked rhetorically, his gaze warm. your family is loving, bachchi, the most loving i know. they'll be thrilled to see you return, i can promise you that.

sunny himself had taken leave several times and come back. he had never been turned away, not even in the worst of circumstances. there was no way he wouldn't offer the same treatment to padma, who had done nothing wrong.

pack life is difficult, he agreed, head dipping slightly in a nod. it's hard to get used to, when you're accustomed to being on your own. ultimately, you will have to make the decision for yourself. his lips curved in a small smile. but your family lives, padma, at least in part. if you ever want to go to them, they'll be there. he only wished he could say the same for himself.

eventually, they parted ways, and he wondered whether she would take him up on that. wondered if she would go back. he hoped she did.