Mommy swallow was getting old, no longer able to fly far like she used to at the sound of a familiar call.
These days, she found it hard even to leave the nest.
Overcome by sleepiness, mommy swallow slowly lowered her head, no longer feeling hungry.
She realized her time was running out.
Just then, another familiar sound came.
Mommy swallow didnât open her eyes, thinking it was just her imagination.
The calls persisted, clear and vibrant.
This time, mommy swallow opened her eyes and saw a fluffy little head snuggling against her.
It had a familiar voice and scent.
She knew it was her baby that came back.
The local people later spread this story, concluding it with âBirds return when the time comes.
â
As the story concluded, Caseyâs daughter still wasnât asleep.
She lay with wide, teary eyes.
âMommy, mommy swallow is so incredible, so determined.
â
Casey gently wiped away the tears from the corner of her daughterâs eyes and whispered, âBecause mommy swallow never stopped believing that her baby swallow was alive.
She waited and waited, and finally, she saw her that day.
â
âMommy, what if I get lost?â Caseyâs daughter looked up at her with wide eyes.
âWill you keep searching for me, waiting for me like mommy swallow did?â
âAbsolutely, Iâll never stop searching for you, my love.
Iâll wait for you to come home, no matter what.
â
Caseyâs daughterâs smile returned.
âMommy, Iâll keep searching for you too.
â
âTime to sleep, my darling.
â
Caseyâs daughter obediently closed her eyes, and Casey watched her peaceful face as she slept, feeling a warmth in her heart.
In truth, the story wasnât that beautiful.
Mommy swallow never saw her baby swallow again before she passed away.
That final scene was merely a vision before her death.
It was possible that baby swallow had perished in that great fire long ago.
Humans became the most intelligent beings on Earth because they were optimistic and committed to protecting the weak, embellishing the world with beauty.
At that time, Casey had no idea that she would soon lose her precious daughter.
Later, she was imprisoned and lost another child, marking her with lifelong scars.
She had lost all hope, but nowâ¦
Her daughter had come to find her!
Casey, overwhelmed with emotion, grabbed Jimenaâs hand.
âJimena, where did you find this? Please, tell me, itâs very important!â
Jimena, taken aback by Caseyâs fervor, replied slowly, âMadam, it was part of a gift.
The last time I was here, I saw it on the table outside, wrapped in silk with that phrase embroidered on it.
â