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Adele sets down the flashlight and looks at the summit in the distance. Then, she reaches her hand out and lightly strokes the girl's back.

Here... Let's wipe your tears away first. Come, sit next to me.

If you really want to go to the top of the volcano, let's pay the mayor a visit tomorrow. We'll talk to her and your parents about this, okay?

But it's too late right now. It's dangerous to go up the volcano. You'll sleep here with me tonight. Don't go running off on your own.

Really?

How about a pinky promise, then?

Okay, pinky promise.

Hope wipes her tears away haphazardly, climbs into the tent, and lies down next to Adele.

For a little while, the two of them remain silent. Adele sits still in the tent, gazing up at the stars, while Hope can hardly stay still—staring at the rocks, poking the tent, and twirling blades of grass between her fingers.

You can't sleep, Hope?

Mhm...

How about I tell you a story, then?

What kind of story...?

It's a story about... a very sweet dream.

Adele lies down next to the little girl and takes the blades of grass. Then, she weaves them into the shape of a small lamb.

Did you know? There are some people who, after they fall asleep, get invited by pink, fluffy lambs to join them in their dreamlike games?

There, they will grant the wishes of those they invite. They get to fly into the skies over the city, surf on the ocean, or hop on streetlights and stars.

I was invited by them once, actually.

Really...?

Then... What was your wish? Did it come true?

Adele hands the lamb-shaped grass to the little girl and picks some Volcano Watcher flowers from the ground to weave the grass lamb a wreath.

Yep, they let me see my parents again.

Your mommy and daddy...?

Yep.

I'm planting these flowers here now because I was encouraged by that dream. It's what my mommy and daddy set out to do years ago, but weren't able to finish.

I know that if I manage to grow these Volcano Watchers here, I'll be invited by the lambs again.

But what about your parents? Why didn't they finish what they started?

Adele stops weaving and smiles.

Just like your grandparents, they stayed behind on this volcano and won't come back anymore.

Then... Do you miss them? Do you cry, too?

Of course I do.

Me too... but I think Mommy and Daddy... and everybody else don't. Definitely not.

They don't ever visit the volcano, and they don't let me go. They're all a bunch of weird scaredy pants! That's why they won't ever get invited by the lambs to make their wishes come true.

Hmm, you can't really say that for sure.

Why not?

Well, you see... I'm actually a scaredy pants, too.

Didn't you ask me before why all I ever do is grow flowers on the hillside instead of going to the top?

That's because I'm scared of going there, too... I'm still not ready. Even though I made it to the volcano, I still haven't gathered the courage to head for the summit.

Why?!

Why are... Why are all of you grownups like this? You're all scaredy pants! I thought you...

But, you see, the lambs invited me even though I am scared.

Then... Am I the one who's wrong...?

Adele shakes her head.

Look at the Volcano Watchers outside. I separated them into different groups. The ones here were planted in barren soil, while the ones over there were planted in fertile soil.

They're growing under very different conditions, yet they all bloom perfectly when the time is right.

You see, we're all like that. We all have our own ways of coping. Some of us cry, some of us try not to talk about it, and some of us try to be brave and take things on directly...

Just because someone is reacting differently doesn't mean they have forgotten.

Adele stretches her hand out and shows the girl what she's just finished—a flower wreath made of Volcano Watchers.

When I was your age, my mommy and daddy often made these for me to play with.

As long as we still remember, our bonds with them will never ever be lost. Like, say, the lambs will find them.

Look, here they are.

Under the night sky and among the stars, a few pinkish clouds slowly drift downwards.

The girl rubs her eyes, and finds that both the wreath she has been holding and the one in Adele's hands are floating upward toward the sky.

Huh? The wreaths...

The wreaths are flying away!

Wait, Hope, don't run off!

Not here either... Where did she go?

It's dark... I can't see anything... I hope she's okay...

In the darkness, Adele feels something fluffy rubbing against her.

She tries her hardest to find it.

(Anxious cry)

Have you seen Hope?

(Headbutts Adele)

(Loads Adele onto its back and starts running)

Where are you going?

Whoa, watch out...

I'm about to fall!

Whoa, I'm about to fall!

Be careful there! She's gotten taller. If you're going to keep letting her ride on your shoulders, you need to figure out how to keep her from falling!

Alright, alright... Adele will sit on Vati's shoulders, and Vati will stand on the volcano. That way, Adele will be right at the very top of the volcano.

Today's our Adele's birthday. Do you have a birthday wish?

My... My wish is to go on a volcanic survey with Mutti and Vati!

Slow down a little...!

(Rubs against Volcano Watchers)

(Blows the petals with its nose for fun)

Stop playing around. We need to find Hope!

The fluffy creatures leap up and dash forward. Up ahead, the volcano's springs let out puffs of hot, white steam.

It's dangerous that way...!

The fluffy creatures ignore her warning. With limbs outstretched, they leap gracefully across the water, landing steadily on the other side with their round bodies.

Satisfied, they stand next to the springs and shake their loose, fluffy wool.

Some of the tiny creatures start crying happily and shake the flowers on their heads around.

Did you guys come because you thought I was feeling down?

Did... Mr. Dolly send you here?

(Leaps around in excitement)

The fluffy creatures start leaping around like they're trying to answer.

Excited that their passenger now finally understands their intent, the fluffy creatures continue their dash for the cave's exit.

Sure thing, my sweet Adele, as soon as you get a bit bigger, we'll take you up the volcano for an on-site research trip. Then you'll be our assistant!

Really? Then I wanna get big as fast as I can!

Alright, darling. Grow up fast. We'll be waiting for you on the volcano.

We'll climb the volcano, do research, and take in its beauty and majesty together...

I can't wait for the three of us to do that!

Wait! Hold on!

You're running too fast—

Mm...

Sensing that the fluffy creatures are slowing down, Adele gradually loosens her tight grip on the wool.

They often cause mischief around her and show up for support when she's feeling down, but now isn't the time. She has more important things to do.

She has to find the little girl who disappeared into the volcano on her own. She also needs to make up her mind to set foot on Mount Unna's summit.

Adele adjusts her breathing and slowly tries to open her eyes.

Wait, we're almost at... the summit?

Why did you bring me here? I...