Returning to Menat-Ha'mait from Trimounts takes at least three months. She could hitchhike with mercenary caravans in Columbia, but the journey home got harder once outside the country. Only after wasting several days at a border town does she finally find a caravan headed the right way back. Titi makes friends with the caravan leader in just a few days, a dark-skinned Liberi called Inam. She is quite curious about Titi's solo journey, as well as her past experiences. 'A Sargonian going to Columbia to study is rare enough, but for such a niche major? And now you're even headed home? Why?' 'Well, I did get scouted by a few Columbian museums after I graduated, but... I still feel 'Sargonian'. Besides, all my best friends are back home.' 'But you haven't seen them in years, have you?' 'We grew up together. We would play pranks on each other, but also help each other sneak out to play. They've kept in touch with me during my time in Columbia too. I know Pepe's an archaeologist now, leading a dig in the south, while Anat's life has probably been arranged by her father, but I'm sure she'll break free from that and do what she really wants—she's always talked about traveling the land and seeing what's outside Sargon.' 'So everyone has a goal in mind.' 'Well, <i>they</i> do. As for me, my family likes to say my heart's as fickle as the sands, easily swayed by a gust of wind. I went to study in Columbia on a whim, but to be honest...' Titi can still remember the night of her father's funeral. Her mother went to rest once all the guests were gone, leaving her alone in her father's study. The chair he used to occupy was now empty, and she realized for the first time how scary the bookshelves she used to take lightly were. Every shelf was crammed with tomes, as if they could burst free at any moment and crash down on her bewildered self. At that moment, she heard a familiar knocking sound from the window. A secret code used with her friends. Then, Pepe nimbly opened the window and climbed into the study with Anat in tow. With a surprised expression, Titi recalled her mother bidding farewell to them earlier, along with their parents. 'Titi... you didn't eat much earlier, did you? We got you some food.' Anat took out two pieces of sun bread, handing one each to Titi and Pepe. 'You have one too.' The sun bread was filled with Titi's favorite orange flavor, and reminded her of her empty stomach. When she finally took her first bite, Pepe seemed to heave a sigh of relief, and took a bite from her own as well, although she immediately grimaced. 'Anat, you jerk! What did you stuff into mine?!' Anat smiled shyly. The two began to squabble with exaggerated, almost theatrical movements. Titi could see they were clearly acting it out. Amidst their laughter and playful antics, a warmth seeped back into the study. 'I think... I can help them realize their own dreams first. Then I'll figure out what I want to do myself.'