* The animals' initial reunion: The immediate joy and relief of the reunion between the animals and the Longworths. This is a powerful emotional moment, but it's also the start of the winding down of the narrative's central conflict (their arduous journey).
* The animals' gradual return to normalcy: The description of the animals settling back into their familiar routines, shedding their wildness and exhaustion. This subtly contrasts their changed appearance and demeanor after their journey, showcasing the impact their experience had on them.
* The resolution of the physical and emotional consequences of the journey: The animals are tired, thin, and slightly injured, needing rest and care. The narrative touches upon their recovery, highlighting the gradual easing of their physical burdens.
* The lingering effects of their journey on the animals: While they're back home, the story suggests that their experience fundamentally changed them. This isn't explicitly detailed, but implied through their quieter demeanor and perhaps a deeper bond with each other and their human family.
Essentially, the falling action is the period of quiet recovery and readjustment after the climax (reaching the Longworths' home). It emphasizes the aftermath of their extraordinary adventure and their gradual return to a familiar, albeit altered, life. It provides closure, leaving the reader with a sense of peace and the subtle but lasting impact of the journey on the animals' lives.