Jackson returned to his home in Nashville, Tennessee. He was reunited with his parents and his friends. He told them his story and showed them his pirate clothes and hat. They were amazed and incredulous. They asked him many questions and listened to his answers. They were happy and proud of him.
He was happy too.
But he was not the same.
He had changed.
He had learned.
He had grown.
He had become a better person.
He was no longer lazy, selfish, grumpy, and pessimistic.
He was now hardworking, generous, cheerful, and optimistic.
He was no longer a slacker who mooched off his parents and wasted his days on games.
He was now a student who helped his parents and studied hard for his future.
He was no longer a loner who had no friends and no fun.
He was now a leader who had many friends and many adventures.
He was no longer a coward who feared everything and avoided anything.
He was now a hero who faced everything and tried anything.
He was no longer Jackson.
He was now Jack Spar.
And he had a friend.
A friend who stayed with him.
A friend who cooked for him.
A friend who played with him.
A friend who laughed with him.
A friend who loved him.
A friend who was a pirate.
A pirate who was a chef.
A chef who was Tuliano.
Tuliano lived with Jackson and his parents. He adapted to their world and learned their ways. He went to school with Jackson and made many friends. He joined the cooking club and became the star chef. He joined the drama club and became the star actor. He joined the soccer club and became the star player. He did everything with enthusiasm and joy. He made everyone happy.
He made Jackson happy.
But he did not forget.
He did not forget his captain and his crew.
He did not forget the Happy Pirates.
He did not forget their mission and their treasure.
He did not forget Zurina.
And he had a plan.
A plan to go back.
A plan to save them.
A plan to finish what they started.
A plan that involved Jackson.
A plan that involved a hole.
A hole that opened up in Jackson's room one day.
A hole that took them back to the pirate world.
A hole that started a new adventure.