Deeply moved, Nexus stepped forward towards her with his arms stretched out;
"Come here Nora. . ."
She instantly jerked forward and met him halfway.
Sliding her arms above his, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, and squeezed him in a tight embrace. Nexus in turn wrapped his arms around her waist. And together, they swayed on their feet, holding each other tight- as if afraid to let go.
"It's not exactly goodbye now is it?" he boomed as he released her; "Sooner or later, I'll be coming around to treat you in the future. . ."
"Huh?" she asked weakly.
"Oh, my bad, your mother will fill you in on the details soon."
Madeline lingered, nervously waiting for her own hug. But Nexus didn't reach out. Gratefully, Crystal chose that exact moment to enter the scene.
