“I was going to come back, you know.“

You turn around and find Lyra walking past the statue toward where Bon-Bon is standing. You want to stop her, to tell her to leave Aunt Bon-Bon alone, but Bon-Bon turns around with her arms crossed and a stoic expression. The kind she normally has when she’s upset with Lyra. You wouldn’t be able to tell she cried at all, if you hadn’t already seen it.

“You think I knew.“
Lyra spreads her arms out, “I wouldn’t just leave.“
Bon-Bon, arms still crossed, starts to walk toward the statue, “And why wouldn’t you? You’re a free spirit, aren’t you? That’s why you didn’t tell me anything.“ She passes by Lyra and turns her head to say, “That’s why you never tell me anything.“
Lyra yells back at Bon-Bon, “I don’t tell you anything because you can’t ever trust me!“
Bon-Bon pauses in front of the statue for a moment, then turns her head toward you, “Come on, Liza.“ Then she passes through the statue and vanishes.

You and Lyra both stand next to each other in front of the statue.
Lyra pats you on the shoulder, “Go ahead, Liza. Unless you think I won’t follow.“

You take a deep breath, close your eyes and, slowly this time, pass through the portal.