With the Department crisis resolved, Glad finally had time to breathe.
She spent it in Anino Garden, surrounded by immortal flowers, reflecting on everything.
"Seven years, Dad. Seven years since that video. Look what we built."
The garden was busier than ever—creatures coming to sit, think, remember. Anino's statue watched over them all.
"Maya's running things now, mostly. She's better at it than I ever was. And Ariel—" She smiled. "Ariel's still Ariel. Annoying and wonderful."
A breeze stirred.
"I miss you. Every day. But I feel you here. In this garden, this community, this life you helped me build."
The breeze warmed.
"I think I'm finally okay, Dad. Not just surviving—thriving. Happy. At peace."
She sat until sunset.
Then walked home to her family.