A couple of hours later, the storm finally cleared up.
When that finally happened, Vincent and Vivo immediately went outside.
Vincent took a good sniff of Vivo's bracelet.
It wasn't too long before Vincent said, "I got it. I got the scent!"
Vivo was thrilled, "Gabi, here I come!"
Vincent followed his nose with Vivo following him.
***
It was about 10 minutes before Vivo and Vincent were around the same area Vivo left the Scarlet Macaw.
And around that same area were the same pets and spoonbills he left.
They were looking around.
When they saw Vivo, they were so relieved.
Especially Stella, who was the first to run to him and hug him tightly.
"Vivo! Oh, my goodness! Are you alright? I was so worried!"
Vivo blushed.
He felt rather...satisfied with Stella hugging him...and couldn't resist hugging her back.
Then the others joined in the hug.
"Group hug!"
"We're so glad you're safe!"
"Where have you been?"
They then looked at Vincent and smiled.
Stella said, "Vincent! I should've known you'd come to the rescue!"
Vincent chuckled, "Just happy to help."
Vivo then said, "Vincent's tracking Gabi down."
Roxie then said, "Speaking of 'tracking down'...what happened to you?"
Novella also asked, "Yes, why ever did you leave the bar?"
Tiago said, "Especially in a wild storm like that."
Vivo didn't know what to say.
After a while, he said, "I'm sorry. I just...needed to get back to Gabi."
However, Stella said, "No. That wasn't it."
Dancarino agreed, "Yeah, we know you love Gabi, but it wouldn't drive you into a hurricane."
Vivo started to get a little irritated, "Look, can we please just focus on-"
Valentina interrupted, "You could've just waited until the storm passed to keep looking."
Vivo got a bit more upset, "I just figured-"
Charlotte then said, "I mean, of all the reasons to go out in that, that would have to be the craziest reason to-"
Vivo finally shouted with anger.
"I JUST WANT TO GO HOME!"
The others gasped.
Vivo continued shouting, "Look! I know going out in a storm was crazy! But maybe that wouldn't have happened if I was still in the Plaza by the time Gabi left the aquarium!"
Tiago tried to say something, "V, we were just-"
Vivo just kept shouting, "Look, I'm not saying it's your fault I'm lost! But right now, all I want to do is get back home! And as soon as possible!"
Novella said, "Darling, we didn't-"
Finally, Vivo shouted...
"I'll admit I was having fun at the bar! But all I've truly wanted since the moment we left the Plaza was to find Andrés and-"
Roxie asked, "Who's Andrés?"
Vivo stopped.
He just said Andrés' name in place of Gabi's.
But he didn't want to answer the question.
"Gabi...I meant, Gabi."
The spoonbills realized what was going on.
Dancarino said, "The Cuban music brought up too many memories, didn't it?"
With the truth so obvious, Vivo knew he couldn't deny it and slowly nodded with a frown.
Tiago then asked, "V, what's the problem?"
Vivo responded, "I don't want to talk about it."
However, Stella said, "Vivo...all we want is to help. But we can't if you don't tell us what's wrong."
Vivo said, "But...I barely know most of you. How do I know I can trust you with something so personal?"
Stella said, "Hmm. Maybe...like this..."
She turned back towards the others.
"Music?"
With that, the other pets started to vocalize a rather soft melody.
Vivo watched with rather mixed feelings.
Some confusion, but also with unexpected fondness.
Stella then started singing.
And soon, she was joined by the others.
***
🎵I see those walls
I wanna break 'em down
I know you're scared but
Trust me now
Show me the good, the bad
The smiles and frowns
So I can know you
Inside and out
If you just take a chance
And believe in your friends
I can show you how
Let me feel the rhythm of your heart
Let me see inside your soul
If you open up your eyes, you'll find
There's a friend outside your door🎵
***
Vivo was starting to feel better.
Like...he was almost ready to completely let his guard down.
***
🎵I will embrace every single flaw
'Cause I'm your friend and
That's what we're for
If you just take a chance
Let down all your defense
I can show you how
Let me feel the rhythm of your heart
Let me see inside your soul
If you open up your eyes, you'll find
There's a friend outside your door
You are not alone
Trust me
Everyone feels unsure
Or feels afraid
So look me in the eyes
And believe my smile
Listen to me
When I say
Let me feel the rhythm of your heart
Let me see inside your soul
If you open up your eyes, you'll find
There's a friend outside your door
There's a friend outside your door🎵
***
Vivo was a little close to crying.
Stella asked, "So...would you like to talk about it now?"
Vivo took a moment...
...before finally saying...
"Yes...Yes, I would...Very much."