He smiled, closed his eyes, and for the first time, Elara didn't feel abandoned. She felt looked after.

She leaned in, kissed his forehead, and whispered, "Adieu, Grandfather."

For a gentle story about navigating the transitions and emotions of saying goodbye, watch this reading of Marie's Big Adieu: Marie's Big Adieu Book Birdees YouTube• Aug 5, 2022 If you’re interested in exploring this further, I can:

Elara pulled back, tears welling. "But that sounds like you’re leaving forever!"

The old man shook his head gently. "No, my dear. Say adieu ."

"It sounds like a hand-off," he said softly. "When I say adieu , I am acknowledging that I can no longer hold your hand or watch over your path. So, I am placing you into the hands of something much bigger than myself. I am entrusting you to the universe, to the Creator, to the stars. It is the most loving thing I can do—to let go and trust that you will be looked after."