"Is that Rita actually showing emotion? I never thought I'd see the day!"
"Oh she can get emotional alright! Show her a good romance play and she'll be bawling like a baby!"
Rita quickly wiped her tears and turned away embarrassed from the sudden accusation. She realized it was Bernard and the father of Baxter, who was her longtime friend Reginald.
"It's not good to sneak up on a maiden in her feelings y'know! Common courtesy!"
"Yeah, yeah we know. I'm just surprised you're actually up and going after taking such a hit Bernie."
The old man began to stretch as letting out a joyous laugh, seemingly feeling fit and better from the rest.
"You wouldn't believe how much having a beautiful girl talk to you can fill the old bones with vitality!"
The three shared a laugh as they all looked at the group of kids playing and enjoying their time. Seeing the youth seemingly flourish after what could have been a disastrous day really settled in their minds that things would be fine as the next generation could handle whatever was thrown at them. Bernard grabbed some drinks from a nearby table and handed one to each of them as they cheered for celebration. Reginald gave Rita a pat on the back after they all enjoyed a drink together, leaning in closely and whispering something to her.
"Y'know…I heard the boy wanted to leave town finally. I thought I'd never see the day with you hunkering down on him for so long. You think he's ready?"
Rita took one more glance over at the group before looking back to Reginald. Seeing the three teenagers on the ground along with the kids laughing. Terra noticed her and gave her a small wave and smile as Rita turned back. Her eyes softened as she took another sip from her cup before replying back.
"Honestly…I'll never know when he will be truly ready to venture on his own…but with the right people, I'm sure he'll manage. That's just the kinda kid that he is."
Reginald and Bernard looked at each other and smiles graced their faces before taking another drink together. The celebration continued as the sun slowly began to set, the village's lanterns began to shine as the night was filled with bright orange lights surrounding the celebration's area. It seemed that everyone in the village was preparing to set up one last thing before the night ended…but two people were missing.