Chapter Text
Early the next morning, the Thornberrys and Blythe's team began packing up their belongings. The experiences they had shared the previous night had forged a special bond between them, but the adventure had to continue.
Blythe approached Eliza with a warm, grateful smile. "We're heading to Palenque to catch connecting flights back to Downtown City."
Eliza nodded, a hint of sadness in her expression, though the adventurer in her remained strong. "We're off to Guatemala , there's still so much left to explore."
Nigel, brimming with his usual energy, chimed in, "Ah, the joy of making friends along the way! But adventures, my friends, wait for no one."
Trying to sound casual, Darwin added, "It won't be the same without you!"
Zoe sighed dramatically. "Oh yes, because this jungle could ever reach our level of sophistication."
Debbie crossed her arms with an amused smile. "At least now I can say I met a group just as weird as we are."
Roger looked at the Thornberry family with sincere gratitude. "Thank you for everything. I hope our paths cross again."
Marianne nodded warmly. "I hope so too. Safe travels on your journey back."
Blythe gave Eliza a quick but heartfelt hug, while Darwin and the other pets exchanged their own farewells, with jokes, laughter, and promises to meet again someday.
"See you on the next adventure!" Minka shouted excitedly.
Vinnie waved dramatically, as if already starring in a TV show. "Maybe we'll appear in one of your documentaries again!"
With laughter and final farewells, the two groups went their separate ways.
Blythe, Roger, Erick, and the pets headed toward Palenque, while the Thornberrys ventured deeper into the jungle, eager to continue their explorations in Guatemala. Although their paths had diverged for now, both groups knew they would carry the memories of this shared adventure with them always.
As they returned to Downtown City, Blythe and Roger finally arrived at the Littlest Pet Shop, eager to share their experiences in the jungle and the incredible people they had met.
"Mrs. Twombly!" Blythe exclaimed the moment they walked through the door. "You won't believe what happened at the camp! We met a family that makes documentaries about the nature and wild animals!"
Roger smiled and nodded. "Yes, it was an amazing adventure. We got to know them, made a documentary with them, trekked through the jungle, took photos, went through an earthquake, and Blythe and Eliza helped rescue animals trapped in a landslide. In the end, we had a fantastic time together."
Mrs. Twombly exclaimed, "Oh, for the love of pets! That sounds fascinating! Tell me everything!"
Blythe launched into the story, starting from their arrival at the camp to meeting the Thornberry family and recounting every adventure that followed. Mrs. Twombly listened in awe, captivated by the bravery and camaraderie shared between Blythe, the Thornberrys, and the pets.
Days later, Blythe met up with her friends Youngmee, Sue, and Jasper at their neighborhood café. As they enjoyed their ice cream, Blythe could barely hold back her excitement about everything that had happened.
"You won't believe what happened to me at the jungle camp!" she began, and the she told them the story.
"A family of documentary filmmakers?" Jasper asked.
"Yes, and not only that," Blythe added. "We had to rescue animals trapped after a landslide! It was crazy, but also really exciting."
Sue smiled, clearly impressed. "That sounds amazing, Blythe! You always have the most incredible adventures!"
Youngmee looked at her with a mix of pride and admiration. "We always knew you were special, but this... this is something else!"
Blythe smiled warmly, reflecting on how the adventure had brought her closer to new friendships. "Yeah, it's something I'll never forget."
Days later, when they were alone on the upper floor of the Littlest Pet Shop, Blythe and Youngmee sat angled toward each other. Blythe decided to share something she had kept to herself until that moment.
"There's something I didn't mention about my trip to the camp," Blythe whispered, her voice low to make sure no one else could hear. "I met a girl named Eliza... and she can talk to animals too."
Youngmee's eyes widened in surprise. "Really!? How is that even possible?"
Blythe nodded, still amazed by the coincidence. "It was incredible, but also kind of overwhelming. At first, I couldn't understand why she had that ability, but then I learned that Eliza's gift came from a spell, with the condition that if she ever reveals it to anyone, she'll lose it."
Youngmee listened attentively, clearly fascinated. "Oh wow, what else happened between the two of you?"
"Well," Blythe continued, "Eliza and I had to learn to trust each other... even when it felt like she might lose her ability. It was such a relief to realize I'm not the only one with this gift, and now I have a friend I can talk to about it."
Youngmee smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on Blythe's shoulder. "That's amazing. I'm really glad you found someone else who understands you."
Blythe sighed with relief. "Yeah... It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, knowing I don't have to face this alone."
Youngmee added thoughtfully, "You know, Blythe, I think it's time you looked deeper into where your gift comes from. Eliza already knows the origin of hers, but you don't. It might be worth exploring."
Blythe nodded, lost in thought. "You're right. I think I should start looking into it someday."
With that, Blythe reflected on the unforgettable adventure she had with the Thornberrys, especially with the girl who shared the same remarkable gift.