Old Mr. Jarvis set down his teacup and stood up. "Well, everything is more or less settled now. I should be heading back."
Old Mr. Quintin looked at him in surprise. "Are you really going back to C City now? I’m heading overseas soon; aren’t you going to see me off?"
Old Mr. Jarvis laughed. "You've got Georgia and Sylvia with you—you won’t even notice I’m gone! Besides, you’ve known me for all these years. Farewells have never been my thing. I’ll head back to C City this afternoon."
Sylvia seemed taken aback. "Mr. Jarvis, are you really leaving today?"
Old Mr. Jarvis nodded warmly. "When you leave, Grandpa won’t see you off, either. I’ll have Gabriel take you."
Sylvia glanced at Gabriel. Their eyes met; she quickly looked away, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile. "Then I’ll be sure to visit you when I’m back!"
Georgia was reluctant to see him go. "I've gotten so used to having you around this past month, Mr. Jarvis. I didn't expect you to leave so suddenly—I wasn't prepared at all."
Mr. Carnes added, "All good things must come to an end. Everyone has their own paths to follow, and we’ll part ways sooner or later. When I leave, there’s no need for any of you to see me off either. Let's meet with joy and part with grace."
At Old Mr. Jarvis’s words, Old Mr. Quintin said nothing more, though his face grew more solemn.
Sophia chimed in with a smile, "Old Mr. Jarvis, when we get a chance, we’ll visit you in C City! I adore your garden."
Old Mr. Jarvis’s eyes were full of kindness. "Of course! You’re welcome any time. I heard you’ll be getting married soon. When the time comes, I’ll be there to celebrate with you!"
Sophia’s face lit up. "It’s a promise!"
Their laughter and conversation softened the sadness of parting. After a while, Estelle said, "Grandpa, since you’re leaving this afternoon, I’ll go back with you."
Mr. Carnes replied, "You’ve just gotten back and have a lot to take care of. There’s no need to see me off—why don’t you have your brother accompany me instead?"

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