Dear Diary, the trip back to Winchester was more difficult than I’d anticipated. Which is kind of dumb when I think about it now because it was really hard for me to get here and I wasn’t limited by someone who was gravely ill.
The trip seemed to take every last ounce of strength my dad had left in him, and there wasn’t that much to begin with. By the time we finally arrived, he was so weak, it took Elliott, Dax and Matthieu to get him upstairs and into bed. By that time, he’d lost consciousness altogether.
Ruby hadn’t gone back to university. When she found out what was going on, she made the decision to come with us. During the trip, she was very helpful to Leela and Dad. She also took care of Leonardo’s needs. When it came to me, she was civil, but just barely.
After Dad was as comfortable as we could make him, I settled back in, returning to my previous way of dressing. I was incredibly sad, but I also felt as if I’d come home. I’d brought Ruby’s suitcase up to my room and carefully unpacked her belongings into a spare drawer in the dresser. Alice planned to sleep in the room across the hall to make room for Ruby. Leonardo would stay with Leela and Dad on a cot.
“Now what?” Leela asked. I could hear the pain and anger in her voice, simmering under the surface like water almost ready to boil.
I shrugged helplessly in response as Dax knocked and then quietly came in.
“I just came from Mango’s,” he said. “He’ll be here shortly.”
“I really can’t take much more of this, Blue,” Leela said. “So what if this is an uncle he hasn’t seen since he was little? I’m afraid the trip here has done exactly what I thought it would!”
Leonardo looked from Ruby, to me, to his mother. He knew his father was going to die because he was sick, but I’m not sure he really understood what that meant. How could he comprehend the finality of such a thing when I couldn’t even fathom it?
“I told you this was stupid!” Ruby snapped. “I can’t believe you went along with this crazy idea!”
Leela gave her the look. You know, the one that says, “be quiet” without actually saying it out loud. Ruby definitely got the message because she didn’t say anything more. Instead, she glowered at me like I was the devil that was killing her step-father.
Dax seemed really bothered by the unpleasantness in the room and I can’t say I blamed him; I was extremely upset by it, too.
“Mango would never do anything to hurt your dad,” he quietly said, standing firm in his belief of the goodness of my great-uncle.
Unable to hide my overwhelming grief, I said with a lowered voice so the others wouldn’t be able to hear very well, “Look at him, Dax. He isn’t going to last much longer, I can feel it.”
He looked me squarely in the eyes and said again firmly, “Maybe not, but if Mango says things had to be this way, then they did.”
The faith he had in his friend left me gob-smacked. I don’t think I’d ever felt that way about anyone before. Then, sadly, it occurred to me that I should have had that kind of conviction about Dad. Why had I always been so quick to believe the worst about the very person who not only gave me life, but had never intentionally done me any harm?
Guilt welled up in my heart until my head felt heavy and tears came to my eyes. The worst part, I thought, was that I was having these realizations so late. It was too late because in a matter of hours, or if I was lucky, days, my father would be gone.
Dax must have seen the agony I felt because he gently took my hand and he just held it. He couldn’t possibly have known just how comforting that gesture was to me right then. Everything was changing, and not for the better. But Dax was a constant, a source of strength.
Without any fanfare, Mango materialized in the room. It seems a strange way to describe it, doesn’t it? But how else could I explain it? One moment he wasn’t there, the next he was. Just like that. No footsteps approaching from the hall, no opening of doors. Just… there he was.
And he looked a fright, too, in his tattered clothing, strangely colored skin and glowing eyes. Looking at the others, I could tell instantly that he was visible to them, too.
Ruby’s jaw hung slack as her eyes registered what she was seeing. But if Leela was taken aback by his appearance, she had the opposite reaction. Without warning, and with Leonardo right behind her, she lunged across the room, yelling.
“So are you this Mango character I keep hearing about then? Are you the one that just insisted my poor, sick husband travel all the way here when he’s so ill? How selfish could you be?”
Mango cringed at the shrillness of her voice and tried to form words, but they wouldn’t come out.
Suddenly, my little brother was in on the action, yelling at Mango, too. “Yeah, my mom is right!”
I know I should have probably stepped in and begged them to calm down, but I honestly didn’t know what to say. Besides, my feet felt rooted in place. No matter how hard I tried, I just failed to do anything.
It was Dax who spoke up, again, for his friend. “No, you have it all wrong.”
“He would never hurt anyone. Not in a million years!”
Mango turned to Dax and looked at him with eyes full of appreciation. “But I did hurt people. I hurt my wife, my twin daughters and everyone. I made decisions that were the ruination of my family. Can you imagine anyone being so stupid? Well, that was me.”
Dax gazed from Leela to Mango in muted silence.
We all turned to listen as Mango continued.
“At the time, I was wowed by how fast my career in baseball was happening. I was quick to take the money they gave me. And for what? So they could inject me with this horrible disease that was mutated and accelerated by being exposed to the meteor that wiped out our house?
“You know, when the meteor crashed, no one was home, thankfully, except for me, Leo and Jilly. Keniesha, Memphis, her younger girls and my girls were all shopping. Liev was at work. And I was playing with Leo and Jilly in the yard.
“I saw the bright light of it and wondered what it was. In fact, I almost realized too late that it was heading straight for us. I had the twins in my arms and I started running. When it hit, we were almost to the barn and I fell to the ground. This strange electricity feeling began to tingle in my hands and feet, then moved up my limbs so fast, I was paralyzed by it. That’s when I’m sure what I had, what mutated within me, spread somehow into Leo and Jilly.”
I gasped, putting a hand to my mouth. “Is – is that why no one knows what my dad is dying from?”
Slowly he nodded, a look of pure misery on his face, his features slumped. “Yes. I had to run away from there. I knew that as soon as the lab figured out where the meteor had hit, they would come looking for me and I couldn’t let them find out anything about it. I didn’t know what they would do, but I knew whatever it was would be sinister since they’d already infected me with who knows what.
“I traveled for some time, looking for a place I could live where I wouldn’t be noticed. I came across Winchester quite by accident. Once I got here, I realized the safest place was the cave. There were tunnels running everywhere that I could escape through if they ever did find me. And once I realized what my new abilities were and practiced using them, I watched out for our family. It was all I could do since I couldn’t let them know I was alive.
“While Leo wasn’t ill, I did see signs a time or two that made me suspicious that he might become ill at some point. I started watching him closer. I suppose Jilly might be sick, too, if she were still with us.”
Finally, I found my voice. I’m not sure I’d absorbed everything he said, but at least I was able to ask a question. “You said I wasn’t your first choice? You tried to make contact with the family before me, didn’t you?”
He sighed, his glowing eyes troubled. “I did. Every clue I ever sent to Keniesha or my daughters was ignored. Liev sort of got the message, it was the P.I. in him, I suppose. But he was old and no one listened to him. You were the only one who was curious, Blue.”
“Why are we all here now?” Leela asked. “Because, honestly, this is a great story and everything, but is this family reunion really worth making his life even shorter than it could have been?”
Mango regarded her sadly. “I’m sorry. You have been through enough, I know. Leo has suffered because of me and now you’re all suffering.”
“So why?” Leela demanded.
“It is because of your hardship that you are here. It’s because… because I have to make amends somehow for all of the wrong I’ve stupidly done.”
Wiping my eyes that had started flowing again, I said, “How? How could you possibly make this right?”
“I’ve spent years practicing for this very day. I have built up my strength and learned a lot. This is the moment that my higher purpose will come to pass.” He turned to Dax and said, “I believe I’m ready. Bring him to me.”
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What happened next is indescribable. I can only say that while Dax supported my unconscious father, Mango laid hands on him. At first, there was nothing, but then, slowly, I became aware of sparkles where Mango’s hands rested.
Leela and I glanced at each other uncertainly and for a moment, I thought she might stop this entire thing, whatever it was. But she didn’t. She stood in awe looking much the same way I must have… wide eyed, not sure what exactly we were seeing.
After a while, more sparkles appeared, they grew in size and intensity until Dad and Mango were covered in them from head to toe.
I was so awed, I didn’t realize right away that Mango was actually changing…
Suddenly, he let go and staggered across the room toward the bed. My feet stayed planted as Dax slowly stood more straight. My dad was awake and… I don’t know how to say this, but his face was full, the ruddiness of his skin was gone and he looked healthy!
Rushing forward, Leela grabbed hold of him as if she would never let go again. Tears streamed freely down her face as she stroked his hair and begged over and over again that this was not a dream.
When he stepped back from her, it was as if he was fully restored. Leela kept touching him, feeling all over in amazement as if she couldn’t believe this was real.
“I’m okay, I don’t know how, but I’m okay,” he whispered.
He turned to me then and held me tightly as sobs were wrenched from both of our throats. As I embraced him, I didn’t want to ever let him go again.
That moment was a second chance and this time, I was determined not to take my father for granted.
That’s when I heard Dax’s strangled cry from across the room. We all hurried to the bed where moments before, my father had laid dying. Now Mango was lying there, a peaceful expression on his elderly face. He just looked like an old man taking a peaceful nap.
“No, no, no!” Dax yelled at him. “I – I think he’s dying!”
Tears filled my father’s eyes as he knelt over the person who had given him back his life. He took Mango’s hand and whispered something into his ear. I imagined it was thanks, or that he loved him, I’m not sure.
Mango’s eyes opened slightly and he called for Dax, who came closer to him. As I looked on, he reached for Dax’s hand and said, “For many years, I lived alone and you became my only friend. You were the only one to look past what others could not.”
Dax held Mango’s hand tightly, tears flowing down his cheeks. “You’ve been my only friend, too.”
Mango opened his eyes a little more so he could see Dax better. “You’ve always had such a beautiful gift but you have kept it hidden. You’ve spent most of your life living in the dark. It is time you brought your gift to the light.”
With what seemed a terribly great effort, Mango performed one more miracle. He gave everything he had…..
Suddenly, Dax touched his face with his free hand, his other hand still tightly in Mango’s grasp. His jaw dropped as bright golden sparkles appeared and spread, seemingly wiping the scars right off of his face.
…and then Mango was no more.
There was not a single dry eye left in the room. Mango’s gifts had forever changed all of our lives.
Author’s Note: Well, that about wraps up the storyline that was begun in Generation 1 with Mango’s disappearance! I hope you liked how it turned out; I had a lot of fun writing it and building up to this chapter.
I would like to say a special thanks to Bee for the pose she made where Mango is healing Leo. It was a strange request and she didn’t know at the time why she was making it, but she did a terrific job! You can find her poses here: Poses by Bee.
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wow, what a great story. I loved it. I really don’t have much to say because I’m just thinking its all come to an end, although I know it is not the end of the story. Somehow, it is the end of the secrets and now what is left is for her to marry Dax!!! hahahaha.
Thank you, Becca. Just an FYI: I nominated you for the Liebster Award
if you’re interested. 🙂
I’m so glad you loved this, but I hope you aren’t disappointed in the long run. lol 😀
Awww thank you for the nomination. I will post on it soon <3
No, at this point I cannot get disappointed in the story because its well written, realistic without having that touch magic we love from fiction. I mean, why would I be? I just cant get updated soon enough to catch up with your current generation.
LOL Awww thanks. I’m so glad to hear that. Generation 3 was something really special to me. It means so much that you’ve enjoyed it. ❤❤
I am sobbing. I loved this.
Though I think Dax was beautiful even with all the scars (tbh sll your sims are, but he is extra pretty 😆😁)
Oh man! What a satisfying ending to a long running storyline arc! It’s so good to see Leo healthy again and that he will have more time with his family. It makes me wonder, though, if he will have some of those special abilities since it was from Mango’s life force that his rejuvenation came from.
And Dax’s scars are gone, too! That is truly amazing, and I’m so happy for him.
Awww…sorry to see Mango go, but I think he wanted it this way all along.
That was such a satisfying conclusion to Mango’s arc.
Mango and his “redeeming purpose.”
I was surprised how tense things got in Winchester, even the usually-calm Leela lost, not to mention Leo Jr.
I’d been wondering about Leo’s pale skin and excessively pink cheeks…
So glad Leo’s made it back! Awesome writing!
And thank you, too, Bee, for the fabulous poses!
I’m so glad you feel that way. 🙂 I’d been planning Mango’s “redeeming purpose” for such a long time.
Bringing Leo back to health was one of my favorite moments of the story. I hated him being so ill.
Wow…I don’t know what to say. Just, wow! 😁❤️
lol Thank you <3
More thoughts are coming back now. I don’t really think it registered well to me that Leo was going to die. I mean, he looked terrible, everyone was sad…I knew it in my mind, but it didn’t really click. Maybe I knew deep down some miracle would occur? Or, I was holding out for one? I dunno lol. But, seeing Leo whole again…MAN!! I think that’s when it occurred that we almost lost him. What an awesome chain of events! Well done, you! 😀
Wow! Thank you so much! <3
You’re welcome!
Okay I’m just like… so super happy right now. What a great arc and what a great way to close this particular arc in the story. I’m probably supposed to be sad that Mango’s gone, but… but… second chances. I’m just kind of sad that Keniesha or the girls didn’t get to see him at least once. At least Leo can tell his cousins and aunt quite a story about Mango. *sigh* So good. So very good!
Thank you so much! <3 I just really wanted all of this to be satisfying since everyone had to deal with Mango's disappearance and Blue's attitude and running away. Now you can see why I had to get her to Winchester. lol
Totally. All makes sense now. Though I never really doubted you to begin with. 🙂
Awww <3 You're so sweet. I doubt myself all the time. 😀
Oh wow!! I must admit I knew this was coming (memory lane challenge – lol!) but I didn’t want to spoil anything for future readers. Still, it was so amazing to see everything unfold! I hope Mango will be happy where he’s going 🙂
I so wish I had realized that challenge would be spoilerish. Gah! I’ve been kicking myself since I posted it. But, I’m still glad you liked how this turned out. I thought it a fitting end for Mango.
This story is a amazing. Bee is amazing for doing these poses. The pictures are amazing. Everything is amazing! I’m so in love with this story.
Awwww, ThanX! I try my best and hope for the best.
Honestly, I don’t know what I would’ve done with this chapter if you hadn’t made the poses. lol 😀
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you are enjoying the story and everything. <3
I’m so happy for that random meteor that happened in your game that brought about this story line! Mango is truly a wonderful soul. By the way, scars or no scars, Dax is still a hunk! 😉
Thank you so much, Rosie! Even though it was so frustrating at the time, I’m really glad it happened, too, because I would have never thought to have done this story line without it. 😀
And thank you, I agree about Dax! 😀 <3
Beautiful chapter! I can see looking back how this was all building up to this. I was on the right track with my guesses that Mango would be able to heal Leo because Leo’s illness was linked to what the scientists had done to Mango. Mostly I’m happy that Leo and Blue get their second chance. Not many people get that chance I hope they appreciate what they’ve been given.
Mango is now at peace after being able to redeem himself. Although Leo would never have needed to be healed if Mango hadn’t agreed to what the scientists were doing. What a vicious circle!
Dax is a little cutie! It was sweet that Mango did that for him. The scars, I think, are holding Dax back from being pursuing the things he wants. I feel a bit sad. I have a feeling that he’s not going to be sticking around now that he doesn’t have to hide.
Thank you, dandylion 🙂 I thought perhaps you knew where this was heading and I’m glad you like how it turned out.
That’s so true about Mango. He wised up a little too late, but at least he was able to redeem himself.
I think Dax is cute, too. haha You’re very right about the scars and what they did to him. He has a whole new world opening up now that they are gone.
Wow what a crazy ending. I loved it. And even Dax got healed
Thank you so much, Lisa! 🙂 I’m so glad you like how this all turned out.
lol I accepted it but have to talk myself into liking it LOL. I like the story so I will wait for a happy ending if it comes
I’m glad you like the story, there is always a silver lining. lol 😀
OMG! I am so thrilled about the story! This is far better of what I wished for Leo, hed didn’t have to turn a vampire to survive hiphiphoooray! 🙂 I am sooooo happy about this twist 🙂 And for Dax! No he can come out of the shadow and live! 🙂
And your pics are just fabulous! I can’t say which is the best one! As much as whatever you made to work Mangos magic! Yay!
Thank you so much, hafuhga! 🙂 I’m really glad you like how this turned out! Dax has a wonderful future ahead of him! 🙂
MIND BLOWN
The poses and the animations were incredible. You are both very talented.
So, I may have to go back and reread the chapter with the meteor. Speaking of which, when you wrote Mango’s character back in Generation 1, did you know that his story would take us to Generation 3 like this?
Thank you so much, socallucyfan! 🙂 I’m glad you liked how this all went. I didn’t know I was going to do this until the meteor hit part way through Generation 1. That’s when I began formulating this story. 😀 Blue wasn’t around yet, but I knew it would be the Gen 3 heir that was involved. 🙂
That was an awesome ending for Mango, leaving so much good behind! And even though Blue looked past Dax’s scars, I’m sure she’s as happy for him as he, himself, is…
Thank you so much! I think you’re right about Blue being happy for Dax – at the moment, I think he is just in shock. lol 😀
Wow! I didn’t realize Jilly and Leo were with Mango when that all happened.
Some of your jargon escapes me, but no matter. I liked the closure you gave Mango. As for Dax, he was always handsome, but insecure. I think Blue saw that and liked him, put up with him regardless. She didn’t ever seem to feel sorry for him either and that was good. I like both Matt and Dax. Dax is more capricious though, but maybe now that his face is cleared up he won’t be so defensive. Well, in my opinion, it could go any which way. With Ruby now in the picture, its just a matter of seeing who settles with whom. LOL
I’m glad that Blue didn’t end up with unfinished business with her dad. That kind of thing is never good. Now, perhaps everyone will heal.
Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m glad you liked how this all happened. I had a feeling you had a theory things might go this way. 🙂
It’s true that Blue never felt sorry for Dax and I agree that it was good because he really didn’t need that. I like both Matt and Dax, too. I can see the strong points for both of them.
And I also agree that it’s a great time for all of them to heal. 🙂
So glad Leo is healthy again and Blue gets a second chance with her father. Was so nice of Mango to help Dax with his dieing breath. I know Dax’s scares didn’t matter to Blue, but now she can certainly see how handsome he is and fall in love with. Team Dax forever!!!!!!
Loved the way you wrapped up Mango’s story.
Thank you, Lil! 🙂 I’m glad Leo and Dax both get another chance, too. And I’m glad you like how this all went. 🙂 Dax, I think, is going to have a very happy and fulfilled life.
Wow, that was epic! That’s a really neat way to wrap this storyline up. I love how Mango paid back for his mistakes by healing Leo and Dax; now both of them can have a better life. I was really hoping Leo wouldn’t die for Leela’s sake as well as the family, so phewwww *wipes brow* And I must say Dax is even more handsome without the scars! I also loved the poses and gifs.
Amazing chapter <3 Can't wait to see what happens next!
Thank you so much, Lila! 😀 I love second chances and the fact that Mango is the one who made them possible seemed fitting. As for what happens next, there’s a lot coming up! 🙂
Wow! What a wrap up!
I am so indescribably happy that Leo’s not done for this world just yet! It was too sad to comprehend Leela without Leo. T_T
Thank you, fluffymao! 🙂 It made me really happy, too, that Leo is still with us. It didn’t seem fair that he would die already.
Mango gave them the greatest gift of all! I’m glad he was able to cure Leo. I hope Dax can enjoy life more now, too.
Thank you so much, Violincat! 🙂 Believe me, Dax has some plans and it’s going to be exciting! 🙂 I’m glad we still have Leo, too.
This was such a great chapter! Bravo 😊 I love how Mango redeemed himself and gave Leo the chance to live, and made Dax free of his scars. What a creative way to wrap things up! The sparkly gifs were a nice touch as well!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you liked how this all turned out. 🙂 Now I reckon Blue needs to attend to the business of producing an heir. lol 😀
🙂
🙂 <3 Thank you, Mama Dragon
Really well done ! Great poses and animations ! And this was the theory I had about what would happen , except I didn’t realize it would also involve healing Dax, and I didn’t realize it would cost Mango his life. Really well done to set this up and drop hints without making it obvious and keeping it mysterious ! I bet it feels amazing to have wrapped it up and handled it so very well !
Thank you so much, Cathy! It means so much, you saying that. <3 Yes, it feels really good to have this wrapped up. I was really hoping it would be a satisfying conclusion to the Mango mystery. 🙂
I thought you might have worked it out ahead of time when you said you had a theory. 😀
I was hoping my theory was correct, and SO glad to see it was, and also really happy that I didn’t anticipate everything! It really shows an effective story and amazing writing when a writer can put those thoughts and ideas into a reader’s head, without giving it all away! Great work! 🙂
Oh, thank you so much. <3 Really, that is such a compliment.
WOW!!! I don’t need my coffee now, that really woke me up! =D It was a great wrap, Kymber, and I love that he also healed Dax! How in the world did you put that shimmer on Mango and the others?? That was a fantastic addition to the story, making it even more realistic! I hope Ruby’s anger got “healed”, too. And thank you, too, Bee – those poses are really great! Now there are a lot of directions left open, and we have to wait a WHOLE WEEK!! =( This was a great way to start my weekend, however! =) ♥
It was a challenge Marjorie, because the whole thing was a big secret so I was creating kinda blind!
Thank you, Marj! 🙂 I’m so glad you liked how this all ended up. I used a program to make the sparkle gif pics. 😀 It’s actually really easy to do.
Wouldn’t that be nice if Ruby’s anger got “healed,” too? lol That will be something that’s addressed in the not so far away future.
Bee, it’s so funny you mention that! Remember when I requested this pose, I didn’t want to say a whole lot about it because, spoilers? And you would ask questions, like, what are their expressions? And I finally said, “Oh the one is unconscious.” Then you were like, “That’s a good thing to know!” hahaha You did such a great job; it was exactly what I needed for this! <3
This was amazing. You did an excellent job with the poses and adding in the ‘sparkles’! I am so happy Leo is going to be okay and that Dax’s scars are gone and he can live a full life. Everyone was given a second chance thanks to Mango. Dax was handsome with his scars and even more so now. Blax ❤️ forever!
Thank you so much, Audrey! 🙂 I’m so glad you liked the poses and the sparkles. I made the sparkle gifs but the poses were made by Bee and she will have them up soon on her site (Poses by Bee). I’m really happy about Leo and Dax, too. Mango did such a good thing and now he can rest peacefully. Still team Dax, I see 😀 You’ll find out in the near future what happens with that. <3
Every time I read this, it brings tears to my eyes. This must have been my six time reading it! Happy and sad tears I must say.
I’m quite glad you wrapped up Mango’s story! I wish every family had that chance to do so for family.
DAX is gorgeous! Really gorgeous! But, I’m still team Matt.
Finally, I’m so relieved I must say. I didn’t want Leo to die and I’m actually glad he will be with us to see more of his story. Blue still needs her father as she has a lot of healing still to do as well and I don’t think that would have happened had he died. Bravo RO!
Thank you for the shout out on the pose. I really had no idea what I was doing when I made it so I’m glad it turned out so well for you! Now I can put it up on the site for download.
Awww Thank you, Bee 🙂 I can’t believe you’ve read it six times now! It felt really good to finally close out Mango’s story and have him become the reason Leo can go on living and also why Dax can have the life he was meant to have. 🙂
I know you’re team Matt. 😀 I agree with you that Blue still needs her father in her life.
Yes, put the poses up on your site because I think people are going to want them! 😀 Thank you again for making them.
I believe this chapter is one we worked on a little more so I read it a few more times than the others. Then I read it again before last weeks chapter came out, because I wanted to make sure I didn’t let out any ooops spoilers! But it turned out awesome!
Oh yes, that makes sense. 😀 I have a sense of relief now that it is published.
The poses were awesome for sure. You do such a great job.
That was meant for Bee! 👍
She’s doing some other poses for me, too….. do you hear wedding bells? :O :O :O 😀
Thank you Audrey!
Wow. All I can do is clap my hands in awe. This was amazing.
Not only Leo is healed, but Dax also. And Mango can reunite with his beloved Keniesha now. Wonderful. I can’t believe you’ve been planning it all since generation 1. You’ve got quite a complex mind, haven’t you?
Blue, it’s time. Realize how handsome Dax is. Take him. Now. Lolol 😛
A complex mind? Hmmmm…. more like crazy ideas! hahaha 😀
I’m so glad you liked how this turned out. <3 And now you ship Blax even more, don't you? hahaha 😛
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize Blax was a real thing until now. Lol, I sure do! You made me laugh.
LOL! I can’t remember who came up with “Blax” first but it stuck. (I want to say it was fluffymao?)
Anyway, you will know in the near future what happens with them and if they get together or not. 🙂
Being Mango’s slave pays off, lol 😛
Yes! haha He certainly got a reward for faithfully standing by Mango’s side. 😀