It was already dark when Artemis found herself swimming again in the familiar pond of her childhood after her thrilling journey. Returning home and recalling the memories she had shared with Helios made her heart race with excitement. The gentle splashing of the water and the steady chirping of the crickets created a soothing melody that put her in a peaceful mood.

  As she moved toward the shore, she could already hear a few familiar voices in the darkness. It was her mother and father, who were fidgeting with excitement and calling, “You’re back!”

  By the light of the moon, she greeted her family and eagerly recounted her fantastic encounters. Everyone was amazed that Artemis had experienced so much in such a short time and had grown not only mentally but also physically. For her parents, only a few days had passed, but for Artemis, an entire year.

  Her parents listened intently, delighted by every small detail. The old snail was sitting on the shore, too, barely able to believe all that Artemis had to share. Much of it reminded her of her own adventures around the world.

  With a comforting voice, her father finally said, “Your experiences have shown you the diversity and beauty of the universe. You didn’t just seek knowledge for yourself; you’re now able to enrich the lives of others with your stories. I’m so proud of you, Artemis.”

  With a loving smile, her mother added, “It’s truly exciting to hear all your tales. But most of all, I’m happy that you’ve learned so much about yourself.”

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  With tears in her eyes, the now-not-so-young turtle beamed, grateful for the love and support she received from her parents.

  The pond was her home once again. But now, it was also a place full of stories and insights that she could share with others.

  As the next day dawned and the first sunlight painted the clouds pink, Artemis strolled along the edge of the pond. She was so excited that she hadn’t been able to sleep any longer. Or perhaps she was still accustomed to the rhythm of a distant planet.

  The wind gently brushed her cheeks, carrying with it the scent of fresh flowers and damp moss. For the first time, she consciously felt the soft ground and the cool morning dew beneath her. She had learned to savor the moment and to appreciate the small things in life.

  At a particularly beautiful spot by the pond, she stopped. Thoughtfully, she gazed up at the stars. “Which of you did I visit?” she wondered.

  Her gaze fell to the sparkling ring her friend had given her. Helios had promised to visit her soon and to show her his own home. For him, it was only a short trip, as they lived on the same planet. The only thing that separated them was time, as he had explained when they parted.

  The thought filled Artemis with happy anticipation. Until then, she would fully enjoy the pond and all the treasures it had to offer.

  As Artemis let herself be enchanted by the colors of the sunrise, she felt a deep connection with the universe. With a glance at the stars, now slowly fading from sight, she whispered, “See you soon, my friend.”

  In this quiet moment, she found peace, and felt confident that she would undertake all the adventures still waiting for her. For she knew that life held many more wonderful surprises yet to come.