The journey back was quiet. The sea had calmed, as if it remembered them and let them pass.
Peggy stood at the front of the small boat, holding the medicine carefully. Miku guided the boat with steady hands. Kichy sat beside her, looking far ahead.
No one spoke about Chikku, but all of them felt it. The sea didn't feel empty anymore.
After some time, land appeared. The sandy shore, the green fields, the familiar path, and beyond it the pumpkin garden.
Kichy stood up quickly. "We're back!"
The boat touched the shore and they jumped out and ran across the sand, along the narrow path, through the rows of pumpkins glowing softly under the sun.
The little house came into view. The door was closed. Everything felt still.
Peggy slowed down. "Let's go…"
Kichy rushed forward and pushed the door open. "Grandma!"
Inside, the air was quiet. Grandma lay on the bed, weak. Her breathing was slow and soft.
Miku stepped closer and checked her. "She's still with us."
Peggy held the medicine tightly. "We made it in time."
Kichy knelt beside her. "Grandma… we came back."
Her eyes opened slowly, tired but warm. "You came…" she whispered.
Peggy gently prepared the medicine. "Please drink this."
They helped her sit up. Her hands trembled as she held the cup. Slowly she drank.
For a moment, nothing changed. The room stayed still.
Then a soft warmth spread across her face. Her breathing became deeper and stronger. The weakness slowly faded.
Kichy leaned forward. "Grandma…?"
She looked at him and smiled. "I feel better…" she said softly.
Peggy closed her eyes for a moment in relief. Miku let out a quiet breath. Kichy hugged her tightly. "You're okay… you're really okay…"
Grandma gently touched his head. "You all did this…"
She looked at Peggy, Miku, and Kichy with kind eyes. "So brave… all of you."
Outside, the wind moved gently through the pumpkin garden. The leaves swayed. The pumpkins glowed brighter in the evening light.
As the sun began to set, the friends sat together outside the house. They laughed, talked, and shared everything they had been through. For the first time in days, there was no fear, only peace.
Kichy looked toward the sea in the distance. "Do you think he's okay?"
Miku followed his gaze. "He's where he belongs."
Peggy smiled softly. "He's not gone."
At that moment, a small wave reached the shore. A faint blue glow shimmered for just a second, then disappeared.
Kichy's eyes widened. "Did you see that?"
Miku nodded.
Peggy looked at the horizon. "Yes…"
Far below the deep ocean, a calm blue light moved silently, alive, watching, protecting.
Back in the garden, laughter filled the air. Grandma rested peacefully inside. The pumpkins glowed under the golden sky, and the friends were finally home.
Their journey had ended, but somewhere in the deep blue sea, their friend still watched over them.