Epilogue
–
Where it was dark, now there's light
Where there was pain, now there's joy
Where there was weakness, I found my strength
A new day has come
–
Padme joined Obi-Wan and the twins in the living room. She watched perceptively as Luke and Leia enjoyed their zestful companionship with their Uncle Ben, inheriting the encouragement and wisdom he passed down with hugs, animated playfulness, and witty banter. The children taught him a lot too. They gave him a sympathetic understanding of love, relationships, and society, making him a sage Jedi Master.
Obi-Wan caught a glimpse of Padme once the children settled down on the sofa beside him after doting on each other with style and grace and partaking in some well-intentioned cheekiness.
"How are you doing?" He paid heed to the other adult in the room, airing out comfort in this state of calm that surrounded the coffee table.
"Good actually!" She responded with an appropriate level of sanguinity while she continued to watch Leia and Luke, who were now immersing themselves in their colouring books, unleashing their creativity – feeling relaxed in their own home, stabilized by the safety of a loving unit provided by their mother and uncle.
"Did you ever find that girl?" He asked, recapturing Padme's attention.
"Yeah, thanks to our newly elected Chancellor Organa." Her grin soon morphed into humility. "It was the least I could do. . .make sure Taul's sister will be alright."
She accepted the rush of wild instinct that pervaded her. A mother tends to adopt many children, taking them all under her wing and sheathing them in her feminine spirituality – not to over-shelter but to expose them safely and steadily to culture, independence, and growth. She is willing to sacrifice for their well-being, and share her maturity. A concept Padme believed helped her as a politician. Perhaps all politicians should grant their people the same uninterrupted respect, protection, and freedom.
Admiring the lessons learned along with recent accomplishments, she refocused her thoughts. "How are you feeling?"
"Determined. Hopeful... At peace." Obi-Wan said with a twinkle in his eye. "Which reminds me, I better get going."
Leia's meditative eyes lifted, ever-present.
"Wish you didn't have to go." She whined, fighting the urge to sulk.
Obi-Wan wrapped his arm around her. "Well, I'll always come back." He included Luke in the conversation with a gentle squeeze of his shoulder. "And you two might be joining me before you know it – if your mother says it's okay."
He looked up at Padme who shot them a wink. "Definitely."
"I am ready for Jedi school." Luke assured.
"It'll be ready for you soon enough." Obi-Wan playfully messed Luke's hair before getting up. It was time for him to embark on his new journey, one that would only improve the bond he had with the twins. He will always be their protector. "Now be good while I'm away."
After a series of cuddles, elongating the goodbye, Obi-Wan kissed Padme's cheek and led himself to the door.
"Say hi to Master Yoda." Padme insisted as her kids mirrored her, waving their hands until Obi-Wan closed the door behind him. This wasn't the end and they knew it. But it was a situation they had to get used to. And it was a challenge, first saying goodbye to their long lost father and now Old Ben.
