Gadalik watched his friend vanish into the clouds from the mouth of the tree hollow, disheartened and guilt-ridden. Things weren't supposed to turn out like this…
Just like the previous day, Guinevere walked to his side, gazing out with him. “We can't expect her to bounce back so soon,” she murmured. “I sensed a lot more stress from her that we didn't have the chance to address. Give her time to process everything.”
“I brought her here to help, but I feel like I just made things worse,” he admitted. “I don't know what to do… Should I end my plans to visit the earth dragons? Do you think that would help her?”
The fairy type shook her head. “Her issues aren't with you nor the earth dragon society. It stems from the revealer and his society. Nothing you do in the present will change what happened to her in the past. For now, do what you feel is best for yourself.”
The green hybrid narrowed his striped blue eyes. “I wouldn't want to go without her, though. And I don't want my leaving to hurt her on top of the pain she feels from her old revealer friend.”
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“But won't you be hurting yourself if you remain in the forest for the rest of your life to appease her?”
He gaped, turning to face the pale blue dragoness. “It's not fair… Either way, someone gets hurt.”
“Gretel’s pain is not your responsibility. In her current state, I doubt she will be receptive to help regardless if you stay. The only pain you have full control over helping with is your own.”
The young earth dragon registered her words, frowning. “So I should just give up on her?”
“No–you should have faith in her to handle her own pain, as well. Whether she chooses to process it on her own, or seek out help from either of us, is up to her.”
“Would I be a bad friend if I left without her…?”
“Would she be a bad friend if she disapproved of you leaving?”
“N-No! But–”
“Trust in your friendship. And trust in yourself to do what's right by you. If you think visiting the earth dragons will benefit you, I'd recommend going, with or without her.”
Gadalik considered his options. As reluctant as he was to leave Gretel behind if she didn't change her mind by the end of autumn, he decided Guinevere was right.