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Pepper buzzed with excitement. It had been a whirlwind season filled with laughter, creativity, and just a smidge of chaos—and she had one final surprise planned for Frannie.
With Lucile by her side, Pepper had spent the day crafting a gift that would capture their best adventure yet. Lucile’s energy was contagious, as always, her leaps and spins inspiring Pepper to make the gift as special as possible.
Finally, the gift was ready: a magical “Snow Globe of Fun.” Inside, a tiny Lucile was caught mid-leap over a miniature, overflowing bathtub, surrounded by splashes of vibrant blue water. It was their most unforgettable escapade—Swamp vs Lagoon—perfectly preserved in a shimmering globe.
Pepper placed the snow globe on Frannie’s nightstand with a satisfied grin. “This should remind Frannie of all the fun we had this season,” she said.
Lucile tilted her head, studying the globe. “It’s a good thing Frannie’s parents forgave us for turning the bathroom into a lagoon.”
Pepper burst into laughter. “And for the towels we soaked trying to clean up!”
Lucile gave an exaggerated shrug, her stitched-on antlers wobbling dramatically. “Worth it! We made quite the splash—literally.”
Pepper chuckled, her heart full. “Lucile, you’ve made this season unforgettable. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Lucile leaned in, giving Pepper a playful nudge. “Oh, Pepper, don’t be so modest. The fun? The plans? That was all you. I was just here for the ride—and the occasional cannonball.”
As they shared one last laugh, a warm glow filled the room. The magic of the season was reaching its crescendo. Lucile began to shimmer softly, her lively movements slowing. Bit by bit, her vibrant form turned into soft fabric and delicate stitches.
Pepper watched as Lucile transformed, her smile bittersweet but bright. She reached out, gently placing Lucile—now a perfectly huggable stuffed giraffalope—on Frannie’s bed.
“Goodbye, Lucile,” Pepper said softly, her voice full of warmth.
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