With a thump, Lincoln dropped to his knees and began thanking Felix, tears in his eyes. Every motion came from the heart.

"Get up, come on," Felix said, helping him back to his feet. "We met because of fate. Besides, if you hadn't led me out of that forest, I'd probably be dead by now."

As Lincoln was lifted up, Mateo was already getting excited. "Hurry! Help me outside. I want to see what it looks like out there!"

Out on the village path, two older women were walking side by side, gossiping and chuckling softly.

"Right? That guy got chewed out by Kimberly so badly that he couldn't get out of bed for three days. Serves him right!"

Just as they were laughing, they caught sight of Mateo standing at the gate. They greeted him cheerfully, "Mateo!"

He smiled back warmly. "Not asleep yet?"

But before they could respond, both women froze mid-step. Their eyes widened as they stared in disbelief. Mateo was standing upright on his own. Lincoln stood a full yard away, not even close enough