All vacations have to end eventually, including honeymoons. After a few weeks, Abby and her friends were finally returning home. Considering how uncomfortably hot it's been getting, they were more than willing to meet up at the pool.
"So, how was Hawaii?" asked Abby.
"Pretty good, but not as tailored to Animalians," said Jessica, "I'm really glad to say I've actually been there."
"It's really great from a bird's eye view," said Sophie, "Or should I say a pterosaur's eye view?"
"Costa de Cabra was fine," said JC, "It felt a little empty though. The Countess could stand to have some more people there, even if they're not Animalians."
"Well, it's not far from town," said Pauline, "And I'm sure that when she has her own children, it'll feel less empty."
"Though not too crowded," said Sarah, "Ao Guang was pretty fun, but it was also really noisy. Particularly for someone with sensitive ears."
"At least it wasn't out of control," said Simon, "Security would stretched thin on the island."
"And Aeaea was fine in case you were wondering," said Samson, "It was hilly like most of the Greek islands, but not too hilly. I bet the Olympian athletes will be going there as part of the post-competition comparison with Animalians."
"I think most of them would be coming here," said Abby, "Claw Colosseum is much bigger and accommodating."
"Yeah, most of the colonies don't have as much room to expand as they do here," said Sarah.
"Though there's still colonies being set up," said Malice.
"Speaking of which," said Pauline, "You know that Congo colony that's being set up?"
"Gondwana Land? Are you thinking of visiting?" asked Roland.
"Actually, we're going to move there," said JC.
"What? You just came back to Lyre," said Sophie.
"I know and we do enjoy staying with you," said JC, "But me and Pauline would prefer to live in the jungle. We were considering Vilcabamba, but the Congo would be even better."
"Does this have to do with you two being former parrots?" asked Travis.
"A little bit," said Pauline, "We were African grey parrots and there are a lot less grey parrots in the wild than there ought to be. I mean, being a pet was fine, but there should still be some wild parrots. So me and JC are going to be conservationists for the parrots in the Congo."
"But also, being Microraptors can be hampering," said JC, "We don't mind being Dinotopians, but having flight feathers on your legs can get in the way of walking. So living in the trees is more for us."
"It would be a good place to raise hatchlings," said Pauline, putting a hand on her stomach.
"What? Already?" asked Sophie.
"Could be. It's hard to tell when I come into season. But me and JC are married now, I think we're ready to have kids," said Pauline.
"What about the rest of you?" asked Abby. She was planning on waiting two more years, but she was curious about the others' plans.
"I don't know," said Sophie, "I've still got to finish law school. I'm not sure I can work on that and be a mother at the same time."
"And I've still got to finish collecting enough credits to graduate," said Roland.
"Abby, aren't you and Samson going to stay at your parents' farm?" asked Roger.
"For now," said Abby, "I know Mom and Dad aren't going to be handing over the farm anytime soon and I feel like they need more space. My uncle in Montana says we can work on his farm for a while."
"And he knows some people who are considering retiring from farm work," said Samson, "It may take a while though."
"I know Mom and Dad are ok with us staying, but it'd kinda awkward if we start our own family while Mom's new baby is here," said Abby.
"Did you bring any pictures of your new little sister?" asked Sarah.
"Plenty," said Abby, holding up her phone. The others quickly crowded around her to look.