Chapter 28

The road stretches on before him, but the answers feel no closer than when he first set out. Mark wastes no time as he arrives in Mineral Town, his steps quick and purposeful. The familiar sights of the small, bustling town barely register in his mind as he makes his way to Mayor Thomas' home. Once he reaches the door, he knocks firmly, his heart pounding in his chest. The mayor himself answers, greeting Mark with his usual warm demeanor before leading him inside to his modest office. The walls are lined with books and town records, giving the space a sense of authority and permanence.

Mark takes a seat across from the mayor, his hands fidgeting slightly as he gathers the courage to speak. As soon as the words leave his mouth—his request to file for divorce—Thomas' expression shifts from pleasant to one of shock and concern. The room seems to grow heavier with tension as the mayor leans back in his chair, his fingers steepled in thought.

"Divorce?" Thomas repeats, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You do realize that here, in Mineral Town, divorce is something… well, something we don't take lightly. It's heavily frowned upon. People here believe that marriage is a lifelong commitment, a sacred bond. We respect it as though it were an unwritten law."

Mark nods, his jaw tightening. He'd expected this reaction. "I understand, Mayor Thomas. And I respect your town's values. But I live in Forget-Me-Not Valley, and I believe this is something I need to do."

Thomas studies him for a long moment, his expression softening slightly. "If that's truly what you want… I won't stand in your way. The laws allow it, even if our customs do not." He reaches into a drawer, retrieving a set of official-looking documents and placing them on the desk between them. "Before I hand these over, Mark, I have to ask: why? Why do you want to divorce Keira? Is it that you've stopped loving her?"

Mark's head snaps up at the question, and his response is immediate, his voice firm but filled with quiet anguish. "No. That's not it at all. I don't want to leave her because I don't love her. I want to leave her because I DO love her."

Thomas furrows his brow, clearly perplexed. "I don't understand, and I won't bother pretend to understand your reasoning, Mark. But if this is truly what you feel is best… then so be it."

Mark picks up the pen, his hand trembling slightly as he hovers over the dotted line. He hesitates, the weight of the decision pressing down on him like a physical force. For a brief moment, he envisions Keira's smile, her laugh, the way she looks at him when she thinks he isn't watching. His grip tightens, and with a deep breath, he signs his name.

As the ink dries on the paper, Mark feels a hollow ache in his chest. He sets the pen down and pushes the documents back toward the mayor, unable to meet his eyes. Thomas accepts them with a solemn nod, but the air in the room is thick with unspoken words.

"This will take effect starting tomorrow," says Mayor Thomas.

"Thank you, Mayor Thomas," Mark says quietly as he stands to leave, his voice barely above a whisper. Without waiting for a response, he walks out the door, the sound of his footsteps fading into the distance as he begins the long walk back to the valley.

The walk back to the farm feels endless for Mark, the weight of his decision growing heavier with each step. When he finally reaches the door of his home and steps inside, the warm, familiar scent of home greets him, but it's muted by the tension in the air. Keira is sitting at the table, her hands folded neatly in her lap, but the worry in her eyes is unmistakable. The food on the table has grown cold, untouched, a silent testament to her waiting. As soon as she sees him, her concern deepens.

"Mark?" she asks softly, rising from her seat. "What's wrong? You've been gone for so long…"

Mark doesn't answer immediately. Instead, he sets his rucksack down on the counter and takes a deep breath, his shoulders slumping under the weight of what he's about to say. "Keira," he finally manages, his voice low and trembling, "we need to talk."

Keira freezes, her expression shifting from concern to apprehension. She quietly sits back down, her hands tightening together in her lap. Mark joins her at the table, but he doesn't meet her eyes. The silence between them stretches on, broken only by the faint creak of the chair as he shifts uncomfortably.

Finally, with a deep, shuddering breath, Mark looks up. "I went to Mineral Town today. I… I spoke to Mayor Thomas." He hesitates, his throat tightening as he forces the words out. "Keira, I ended our marriage."

For a moment, Keira doesn't react. She stares at him, the meaning of his words slow to sink in. But then her eyes widen, her face paling as the realization hits. "You… ended it?" she whispers, her voice trembling. "Why? What have I done wrong?"

"No," Mark says quickly, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. "You haven't done anything wrong."

Keira shakes her head, her expression crumbling. "I must have. I failed you as a wife, didn't I? I… I'm so sorry, Mark. I'll do better. I promise I'll—"

"Stop," Mark interrupts, his voice breaking. He reaches across the table to take her hands in his, but she pulls back, tears welling in her eyes. "Keira, this marriage… it wasn't your choice. It wasn't your will. It was mine. I made this decision for you, and I promised myself that I would only take care of you until you were ready to be free."

Tears spill down Keira's cheeks, and she wipes them away quickly, her hands trembling. Mark's chest tightens painfully as he places his hand on her's. "Keira… you've been trapped your entire life. First by the laws of your world, and then by the promise I made to protect you. But you're ready now. You've grown so much, and I… I don't want to be the reason you can't live the life you deserve. Go to the city, be free. Please don't live this life for me, live for yourself."

Keira sits there trembling. Mark wants to say something else, anything else, to ease the pain in her eyes, but no words come to him. All he can do is watch as she rises from the table, her posture rigid, her movements slow and deliberate as she walks to the bedroom. She pauses at the doorway, turning back to look at him.

"If this is what you truly believe is best for me… then I'll honor your decision," she says softly, her tears glistening in the dim light. And with that, she retreats to the bedroom, leaving Mark alone at the table, the weight of his choice settling heavily in the empty space she leaves behind.

That night, Mark lays on the couch, staring at the dark ceiling, unable to sleep. The silence of the house feels heavier than usual, filled with the unspoken emotions that hang between him and Keira. He had considered staying at the inn for the night, but deep down, he couldn't bring himself to leave. No matter what the future holds, until she leaves for the city, he feels a responsibility to remain by her side. He wants to ensure she doesn't feel abandoned—not now, not when everything is about to change.

The morning sunlight filters through the windows, waking Mark from a restless sleep. He hears movement in the kitchen, the familiar sound of Keira preparing breakfast. It's almost like any other day, but the atmosphere is different. It's quieter, heavier. When he finally rises and steps into the kitchen, he finds Keira already dressed, her expression calm but distant.

"I called Gourmet this morning," she says, her voice steady though her eyes avoid his. "His offer still stands. I'll be leaving for the city in a few days to meet with him."

Mark nods, swallowing the lump in his throat. "That's good. He'll take care of you."

Keira doesn't respond right away. Instead, she focuses on placing their breakfast on the table, her movements precise and careful, as though trying to maintain control. "I'll spend the next couple of days saying goodbye to everyone in the valley," she finally says, her voice softer now. "They've been so kind to me. I want to thank them."

Mark forces a small smile. "They'll miss you. Everyone will."

Keira glances at him briefly, her expression unreadable, before sitting down to eat. They share breakfast in silence, the weight of their impending separation lingering between them. Both of them know that the next few days will be difficult, filled with bittersweet farewells and unspoken emotions, but for now, they focus on the small, quiet moments they have left together.

That Saturday, the usually lively and carefree atmosphere of Muffy's club feels heavy as Keira stands in front of her friends, announcing her departure from Forget-Me-Not Valley. The chatter and laughter die instantly, replaced by a stunned silence as all eyes turn toward her. Her words carry a weight that none of them expect.

"I wanted to let you all know that I'll be leaving the valley in a few days," Keira begins, her voice steady but tinged with sadness. The room erupts in questions almost immediately.

"Why?" Muffy demands, stepping forward, her voice sharp with concern. "What's happened, Keira? Why would you leave?"

Keira takes a deep breath, steadying herself. "Because… my marriage to Mark has ended."

The room collectively gasps, a wave of disapproval rippling through her friends. Nami folds her arms, her expression darkening. "Mark? What was he thinking?"

"That idiot," Muffy mutters angrily under her breath. "How could he—after everything you've done for him?"

Celia looks stricken, glancing nervously between Keira and the others. "But… I thought you two were happy."

Keira raises a hand, trying to calm them, though her trembling fingers betray her emotions. "Please, don't blame Mark," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "This was… my fault."

"Your fault?" Lumina asks incredulously, her brows furrowing. "Keira, that doesn't make any sense."

Keira nods, as though trying to convince herself as much as them. "I've been selfish," she admits, her voice breaking slightly. "I've been doing things for myself—learning, growing, finding new passions. I've been so focused on my own journey that… I didn't consider how Mark might be feeling. He… he deserves someone who can truly care for him the way he deserves. Someone who isn't…"

The room falls silent, her words hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. Keira opens her mouth to continue, but nothing comes out. Instead, her mind is flooded with images of her life with Mark—his kindness, his patience, the way his small, thoughtful gestures always made her feel at home. She remembers his laugh, the warmth of his touch, and the quiet moments they shared under the stars.

Her chest tightens as the weight of her emotions becomes too much to bear. Her voice cracks, and she collapses into uncontrollable sobs. Tears stream down her face, her emotions pouring out in waves as her friends rush to her side.

Celia, Nami, Lumina, Flora, and Leia immediately surround Keira, embracing her from all sides. Their arms wrap around her, forming a circle of comfort and warmth as she cries into their shoulders. "It's okay," Celia murmurs, stroking Keira's hair with a soothing touch. "We're here for you."

"You don't have to go through this alone," Nami adds softly, her normally stoic demeanor giving way to genuine compassion.

Flora gently pats Keira's back, her voice tender. "We'll miss you, Keira. More than you know."

Leia's voice, soft and kind, breaks through the quiet. "You've been so strong, but it's okay to let it out."

Meanwhile, Muffy stands off to the side, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her lips press into a thin line as she struggles to hold back her anger. She shakes her head, muttering to herself, "Mark… you've made a huge mistake." The sight of Keira reduced to tears is too much for her. Muffy has watched Keira grow into a vibrant, confident woman, and seeing her like this feels like an injustice she can't reconcile.

Keira continues to sob, her heartbreak spilling out in waves. The women around her offer quiet reassurances, their presence a balm for her aching heart. Their warmth and friendship envelop her, creating a fragile sense of safety amidst the turmoil.

Yet, deep down, Keira knows the truth: the days ahead will be the most challenging yet. The love and support of her friends will guide her, but the path forward is hers alone to walk. For now, she lets herself fall into their embrace, grateful for the strength they lend her when she needs it most.

Several days later, the time for Keira to leave has arrived. The sun hangs low in the sky, casting a golden glow across the beach as Mark and Keira stand together, the gentle lapping of waves providing a quiet rhythm to their final moments. The boat waits at the edge of the dock, its sails gently swaying in the salty breeze, signaling the inevitable parting. Keira clutches her small bag, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the strap, while Mark's hands remain stuffed in his pockets, his expression a mix of pride and sorrow.

Mark clears his throat, breaking the silence. "The city's fast-paced," he says softly, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "It can be overwhelming at first, but don't let it intimidate you. Take your time, find your rhythm, and don't be afraid to rely on people who care about you."

Keira nods, her gaze downcast. "I'll try," she murmurs. "Thank you, Mark… for everything." She looks up at him, her amber eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You've done so much for me. More than I ever could've asked for."

Mark's lips curve into a faint smile, though his eyes betray the heaviness in his heart. "I should be thanking you," he replies. "You've done more for me than you know. You taught me what it means to truly care for someone. You've helped me grow, Keira. We've both changed—hopefully for the better."

The wind picks up, rustling Keira's hair and causing the blue feather tied into her hairpin to flutter gently. Her hand instinctively reaches up to touch it, and she pauses, her expression shifting as the significance of the feather weighs on her mind. She glances at Mark hesitantly. "I should return this to you," she says, her voice trembling as her fingers move to untie the feather.

Mark's hand shoots out, gently stopping her. "No," he says firmly, yet with a warmth that eases the tension. "I want you to keep it. I no longer have no use for it. The blue feather… it's a symbol of a promise, Keira. And I hope that someday, you'll find someone—someone of your choosing—when you meet them, you can then use it."

Keira's breath catches in her throat as she looks at him, her heart heavy with gratitude and sadness. She nods, her hand lowering as she leaves the feather in place. "Thank you, Mark," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.

For a moment, neither of them speaks. Then, as the boat captain calls out that it's time to depart, Mark takes a step closer and wraps his arms around Keira in a tight embrace. She clings to him, tears slipping down her cheeks as they hold onto each other, both knowing this is their final goodbye.

"Take care of yourself," Mark says, his voice thick with emotion. "And don't forget—you deserve to be happy."

"You too," Keira replies, her voice breaking. "Promise me you'll be okay."

Mark doesn't answer, but the weight of his silence says enough. Slowly, they pull apart, and Keira wipes her tears as she turns toward the boat. With one last look back at Mark, she boards, her steps hesitant yet resolute.

As the boat pushes off the dock, Keira stands at the edge, watching the beach grow smaller with each passing moment. Mark stays where he is, his feet rooted to the sand as he watches her disappear into the horizon. The wind carries with it the faintest scent of salt and the bittersweet reminder of all they've shared.

As the boat drifts farther into the horizon, Keira stands at its edge, her silhouette framed by the golden light of the setting sun. Mark stays rooted in the sand, his arms hanging at his sides, the weight of his choice bearing down on him like an anchor. The wind tugs at his hair, carrying with it the faint scent of the ocean, a reminder of the countless moments they shared on this very beach. But now, the space beside him is empty, and the silence is deafening.

He watches until the boat becomes nothing more than a speck against the endless expanse of sea, and even then, he doesn't turn away. His chest tightens, a dull ache spreading through him as if a part of himself has sailed away with her. He had done this for her—for her freedom, for her happiness—but in doing so, he's left himself adrift.

The blue feather in her hair, once a symbol of marriage, now flutters like a distant echo of a life he no longer belongs to. He swallows hard, his throat burning as he realizes the full depth of what he's lost. Keira is gone, stepping into a future that no longer includes him. And though he knows this is what she needs, he's left wondering what his own future holds now that she isn't a part of it.

As the sun dips below the horizon, Mark lowers his head, the shadows of the evening creeping across the sand. For the first time in a long while, he feels truly alone, the silence of the valley stretching endlessly around him. And yet, in that emptiness, a thought lingers: perhaps this pain, this emptiness, is the cost of setting someone free. As the waves lap at his feet, Mark turns away from the sea, the sound of his footsteps fading into the quiet as he begins the long walk home—alone.