After a long while of hugging, they pulled away, allowing Grace to study their faces making hers' light up with joy.
"I'm so happy you're both back," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of delight and mock reproach. "It just happened out of the blue. You must have been enjoying the academy so much that you forgot all about me."
Kyle shook his head fervently. "No way, Ma'am! We missed you dearly. It's just... we didn't have a way to communicate."
"Exactly!" Riya chimed in, nodding in agreement. "You have no idea how many times we wished we could tell you about what's been going on."
Grace's teasing smile softened. "True, I suppose you didn't have a choice. But still, it's good to see you both here again."
Kyle grinned. "Can we go home now? I've got some gifts for you."
Grace blinked in surprise before her cheeks flushed faintly. "Gifts? Kyle, you didn't have to!"
