Tabitha, I've missed you so much!” Rigel's voice, a storm of emotions, carried through the air as she threw herself into the comforting embrace of her long-missed mentor. Her slight frame shook, her voice trembling as sobs mingled with tears of joy. "Promise me you won't leave for so long again! We really missed you.” Rigel pleaded, her hands clutching at Tabitha in a desperate bid to anchor her to this moment.

A sharp pang of guilt pierced Tabitha’s heart, evoked by the fervency...