As Gill finally approached the cave that was once his home, his heart fell even lower than he thought was possible. As he had thought, the place had completely changed. He didn't recognize anyone, and no one recognized him.

He approached the cave entrance and hesitated. Before he decided what to do next, a female snapper swam outside. She looked rather displeased.

"Who are you, mister? And how can I be of service?"

"Sorry for the trouble, ma'am. I'm looking for the family that has lived here before you".

"Well, I don't remember any family, that's for sure. When my husband and I were looking for a place to settle, we were swimming by and that old lady offered us her home. There wasn't anyone here except her. I recall, though, she was a Moorish Idol, like you. Was she a relation?"

"She must have been. Do you remember her name?"

"She didn't mention it. But I remember her eyes, oh yes. They were black, like they normally are with the fish of your kind, but they had this shade of violet. Very unusual, that's why I remember it".

"My mother".

"Oh… I'm sorry. When we asked her why she didn't want such a lovely home for herself anymore, she said that she was migrating someplace else. She didn't say, to where, and I have to say, she was a little gloomy in general. We didn't talk much. We were surprised that such an old lady lives without children and is going to migrate, though".

"Was it a long time ago?"

"Oh, yes. We've had three litters of kids since then already, the elder are going to finish school in two years".

"Sorry for the trouble. Goodbye".

So it was, then. Now Gill was completely free. Nothing was hindering him from going wherever and however fast he pleased, except for his conscience and the lack of purpose.

He swam away without any particular direction, barely aware of the fact that he actually moved. He must have been swimming for a very long time before he finally stopped with exhaustion and found himself at the same fork in the road between the coral reef and the dreaded Bay.

He hesitated for God knows how much time, deep in thought, before turning and taking the route leading to the Shark's Bay.