"Ha ha ha! Who knew a sincere apology could be so powerful? We could have avoided all these nonsense if we knew! But never too late! Now we know. Adding one more important finding to the mystery of the Hootles..." Pronobo dug out a tattered notebook from his coat pockets and scribbled quickly.

After hugging their now regular-sized daughter, Ebba and Ake exchanged a meaningful look. Ebba took a deep breath, steadied herself, and began,

"My daughter, Papa and I should have told you this sooner, we love you. We really do. And we are really sorry to have neglected you. We have been bad parents to you because we didn't know how to handle all these Hootles curses and stuff when we were younger. Now we have learnt our mistakes, and we're still not perfect but we're willing to try harder. Will you please forgive us?"

Ebba's was voice thick with remorse as she looked pleadingly at Folja.

Ake stepped next to Ebba and added, "Look Folja, it's not fair that you had to endure all of that. And to endure us as your parents. You don't have to forgive us now. But we really hope you can think about it. And about your house, we know it's gone now. Your Mama and I will fix that, don't you worry. But meanwhile, would you like to stay with us? We will be better parents to you, we promise!"

Folja's eyes watered. "You really mean that?"

"Of course! I mean, it's your choice, but we would love for you to stay."

"Frumpleskiddleskins! That would be amazing. Thank you, Papa, Mama!"

The alma family hugged again before the mother alma spoke, "First up, I think it's time we teach you some proper language, young lady."

The whole group laughed, and just then, as though they noticed him for the first time, Ake turned to the human boy. "Now, who is this?"

"I'm Louie, sir."

"This human boy is my new friend!" Folja quipped. Louie's heart gave a skip, as the pair smiled brightly at each other.

"And Louie likes sausages, just like me!"

"Well then that's good news, you can stay for dinner, because guess what we're having?"

"SAUSAGES!" Folja and Louie exclaimed, and everyone broke in laughter again.

"All's well that ends well! Can't stay for dinner, folks. I have something important to do. Farewell!" Mr Pronobo swiftly turned and left the party.