EpilogueNew Year’s Eve, a time for celebrating in ages past with champagne and fireworks, had long been relegated to a change of numerals in a world preoccupied with the ravages of climate change and environmental degradation. However, one small community on the Kauri Coast of North Island Aotearoa planned to end the year 2402 with a long anticipated partnership celebration. Breta had arrived two days earlier, supposedly to assist with the arrangements and spend time with Kaire and Pia, although in truth he intended to devote far more hours to cultivating his relationship with Tiki. Several months before, during a visit to Kauri Haven, Breta had renewed his acquaintance with the doctor and they had discovered a mutual attraction. Ever since, they had communicated frequently, lengthy discus
