It was finally Vet Day.
Time for Vivo to be dropped off at the vet.
After this day, they were gonna be separated for ten days.
But...after what they had done for the last couple of days, they weren't as sad about it as they were when they first found out it had to happen.
They felt a lot better about it.
With that, the family prepared to walk out the door to the van.
Just then, someone rang the doorbell.
Gabi and Vivo went to the front door to see who it was.
It was all their friends.
Gabi said, "Oh, hey, guys. What are you all doing here?"
Becky answered, "Well, we thought you guys could use a couple of things during the rest of the week."
Vincent said, "So we each got you something."
That was when the two realized that each and every one of their friends each got them a gift.
Even the girls.
Becky said, "Just a few things to make the separation hopefully a little less...troubling."
Novella said, "And Vivo, darling, we also brought some things that will hopefully make you more comfortable while at the vet's."
Gabi and Vivo were touched by this kind gesture.
And before they knew it, they were opening gifts.
Up first was Charlotte's gift.
She got Vivo a decorated box of special pet-safe mango cookies.
Tiago got Vivo a small music player on which he downloaded some of his favorite tropical electronic songs.
Roxie had given Vivo one of those pet 'challenge' toys that would keep him occupied while staying at the vet.
Novella had made Vivo a soft and beautifully designed blanket to keep Vivo comfortable during the nights at the vet.
Vincent got Vivo a soft plush toy to have a friend to be with during those same nights.
And finally, Dancarino and Valentina got Vivo a bouquet of lilacs since their scent was said to provide calmness and relaxation.
The girls gave Gabi their gifts.
Eva got Gabi one of those friendship journals where she could express her feelings about being separated from Vivo while he's away.
Sarah got Gabi one of those DIY music boxes so she could make her own music during Vivo's absence.
And finally, Becky was about to give Gabi her gift.
Becky pulled out a camera.
She then placed it in front of the whole gang.
"Everybody, smile!"
Everyone did as she said as she ran back to join them.
When the flash went off, it immediately printed out.
Becky went to the camera and got it to print the same photo out.
She then pulled out two decorated picture frames that each said 'Best Friends Forever'.
She quickly put the two photos within the frames and gave each one to Gabi and Vivo.
"So your friends are here, no matter where you go."
Gabi and Vivo were just so touched by all of this.
They were almost moved to tears.
Gabi said, "Guys, I just..."
Vivo finished, "Don't know what to say."
Soon enough, they rushed into their friends' arms for a group hug.
"Thank you!"
When the hug ceased, Gabi said again, "This is all just too great."
Vivo agreed, "Yeah, I might be gone for ten days, but it makes me feel better knowing I'll be coming home to not only Gabi, but also such great friends."
Roxie said, "Well, actually, you can mostly thank Stella. This was all her idea."
Charlotte said, "Yeah! Well, not the gifts. We each picked out our own. But getting gifts in general was definitely her idea!"
It turns out this was Stella's plan she told their friends about back at the park.
Her plan was to get Gabi and Vivo special gifts that reflected how each of them got through their separations from coming to Key West.
Maybe the same gifts would help the two as well.
And they most likely would.
Just then, Vivo remembered another plan they had he needed to thank them for, "And thank you for helping us out before. When we started the separation too early."
Stella said, "Of course. That's what friends are for."
It was just so touching.
Gabi and Vivo couldn't have asked for better friends.
Rosa soon had to say, "Ok, I hate to end this so soon, but now we have to get going."
Instead of being so down about it, Gabi just calmly said, "Ok, Mom."
Vivo also chirped in the same manner.
With that, everyone bid each other goodbye, especially to Vivo.
They wished him the best of luck and couldn't wait to see him when the ten days were up.
***
Vivo was finally at the vet.
Right now, he was in Gabi's lap while they both waited in the lounge as Rosa checked them in.
The place didn't seem so bad.
It had a couple of cute kitten posters and was painted mint green.
And the furniture was very simple yet comfortable.
Vivo was still slightly nervous about his first vet trip and about it lasting ten days.
But Gabi helped by gently giving him a scratch behind the ear.
That did help him calm down a bit.
Just then, the receptionist called Vivo's name.
The family moved into an exam room.
Not much later, the vet came in.
She looked like a very nice lady.
She even had a very warm voice.
"Hi. How are you doing today?"
Rosa answered, "We're doing fine, thank you."
The vet said, "I'm Dr. Breezy and I'm very excited to work with you."
Rosa responded, "Thank you. I'm Rosa and this is my daughter, Gabriella."
Gabi said, "But just Gabi's fine."
Dr. Breezy then looked at Vivo.
"And is this my newest patient?"
Gabi said, "Yep. His name's Vivo. He's a kinkajou."
Vivo gave a small smile to the vet.
Dr. Breezy replied, "He's also a little sweetie pie! Now then, I'll just need to ask a few questions regarding his medical history, then...I'll take it from here."
That meant it would officially be time for Gabi and Vivo to spend some time apart.
While the vet and Rosa talked, Gabi and Vivo had a moment.
They looked into each other's eyes with slight sadness.
But then...it turned into a moment of hope.
They gave each other a warm smile, knowing it wouldn't be long until they saw each other again.
Besides, they also had their friends who would help them through this.
Especially since they were given special gifts to make them more comfortable during the next few days.
When Rosa finally asked Gabi to say goodbye to Vivo, Gabi did so before she and her partner shared one more hug.
Vivo was then carefully handed over to Dr. Breezy.
The kind vet held him with tenderness as she said, "Don't worry. I'll take good care of him. I promise."
Gabi and Rosa said goodbye as they walked out of the room.
Vivo gave a goodbye chirp.
Finally, Vivo was alone with the vet.
Dr. Breezy said to him, "Ok, Vivo. Time to get started. First, let's get you settled in."