Before he knew it, Nells had flung herself upon him. He wrapped his arms around her and clung onto her too. He didn't say anything, he just held her close, savouring the moment, breathing her in as the minutes passed. She pulled away, smoothing his hair. He caressed her cheek, his haunted eyes met hers "Nells, I had to see you one last time", he knew he wasn't allowed, but he was hurting and these emotions could easily turn to ire, if anyone were to challenge him, Nells' parents included.


Meanwhile, José and Juliana had moved to the sheltered position that Hope had suggested. José was busy making conversation with Hope and Juliana was wandering nearby, her hands in her pockets, kicking at the odd stone with her shoe. She kept glancing up the treehouse ladder.

José noticed Hope's 'not too thrilled with Juliana' expression and attempted an explanation. "Oh, Juliana, she was hanging out with me at home and I happened to mention that Sabbie was coming here and she was really keen to come. I said Ok, because she's seemed really lonely lately, been hanging around our place a lot more, I feel bad for her, you know, she been asking me to talk to my Abuela about letting her travel with us".