Chapter 11

For the rest of winter, Popuri and Mark spent each day on the island together. In the morning, Popuri would spend time with her chickens as Mark worked in the farm. Once the farm work is done, Mark and Popuri would go out and enjoy anything the island has to offer. Mark knows the island well, so they have absolutely no shortage of things to do. They would enjoy many attraction together, like listening to Lanna sing in a mini concert, participate in the island’s festivals, or just spend time at Luke’s diner and chat for a while. They both know that their time together is very limited, so they make the best of what they can.

Popuri spends the evenings sleeping over in Mark’s farmhouse. He would prepare all of Popuri’s favorite dishes, then they would retreat back to the bedroom. They would kiss and love each other all night long. Their feelings for each other grow a bit more each day that passes. They have to keep reminding themselves that Popuri will leave to Mineral Town by the end of winter, but that doesn’t change how close they are becoming.

One night as the young couple lay together in Mark’s bed, they look deep into each others eyes. Moments like this would make them forget about the fact that Popuri will return home soon. Their hearts beat strong as they embrace each other tightly. Mark has knows quite a few women before, but none of them were as special as Popuri. His face turns red as he takes a deep breath to say, “I love you Poppy.”

Popuri blushes rosy pink. “I love you too,” she responded. She was nervous to say it, but she knows that’s how she feels about him. He is handsome, smart, works hard on the farm, and takes great care of the chickens she raised. She wishes that there was a way that hey can be together longer. Her days on the island are running out fast. She can only hope that Mark can wait for her to come back next year.

As the days on the island get warmer, the snow is beginning to melt. Spring will come on the island, and Popuri begins to pack her things for the trip back to Mineral Town. She does wish that she can spend New Years Eve with Mark, but her family is waiting for her back at home. On the last day of winter, her reservation ends and she needs to check out. She says goodbye to Mark and the chickens before meeting up with Karen and head to the yacht. All the bags have been loaded, and they need to board soon.

Popuri is quite emotional as she looks at the boat which will take her home once she boards. She has prepared herself, she said goodbye to the man she loves and she vows to come back next winter. She knows that her chickens will be happy, she only hopes that Mark will wait for her to come back and resume their winter romance.

“Poppy, wait,” shouted Mark just before she sets foot in the boat. She turns around and finds him running to the dock frantically. Popuri asks to wait for a few more minutes, then meets up with Mark at the beach.

He is now in front of her gasping for air. Popuri then asks, “what happened? Is everything okay?”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want you to leave. Not until I give you this. . .” Mark then pulls out a blue feather and presents it to Popuri. Karen and Popuri both gasp as they realize that Mark is going to ask the woman he loves to stay with him on the island as his wife.

“I know that we haven’t known each other for too long, but I don’t care. I’m in love with you, and I want us to raise chickens together. Will you marry me?”

Popuri is speechless. She does love him, but the proposal came so suddenly. She looks to Karen to get her opinion, but Karen shakes her head side to side. Karen is trying to tell Popuri that this is not a decision she can help with. Only Popuri can decide to stay on the island if she wishes. “What will mama think?” she thought to herself. So many other questions also flood her mind, she has no idea what to do.

For a moment, Popuri considers accepting the feather. She could remain on the island, marry Mark, and be with her chickens. The fantasy is so warm and comforting, like a storybook ending. But as she fantasizes about being Mark’s wife, she also remembers that her journey is not over yet. She worked so hard to learn how to be a chicken rancher, she can’t just put that dream aside to be a wife just yet. “Create your own path,” she remembers Kai telling her.

“I’m sorry, I can’t,” said Popuri as comforting as possible.

“I see,” said Mark in a sad tone.

“Don’t get me wrong, I do love you. I would love to be your wife someday. But not now. I have to go home and finish my training. I want to see he world and become a chicken rancher. That is my dream, I can’t stay here on the island. I hope you understand.”

Mark smiles for Popuri and places the feather back in his rucksack. “I do understand, that’s why I fell in love with you. I’ll just hold on to this feather until you are done making your dreams come true. And I’ll keep waiting until you can make mine come true too.”

“Thank you Mark. You are such a wonderful boyfriend. I’m so glad that I fell in love with you, “said Popuri.

Mark kisses Popuri one last time before helping her board the yacht. Popuri and Mark wave goodbye to each other until the boat drifts far enough away before the helmsman kicks the engine on and ride back to Mineral Town. They do have each others phone number and address, so they can keep in touch until the day they meet again.

Back in Mineral Town, Lillia is overjoyed to have her daughter and daughter-in-law back home. They spent New Years Eve talking about all the wonderful things that they’ve experienced on Sunny Island. Popuri even told her mother and brother about Mark. A man she fell in love with on the island. Lillia and Rick are shocked to learn that Popuri met someone special so far from home. They are concerned, but they remember what happened when hey tried to interfere with her relationship with Kai. They instead accept Popuri’s relationship and hopes hat they can meet Mark in the future.

The next day, Popuri puts her new dress she wore to Sunny Island back in it’s plastic packaging after she washes and folds it. In Mineral Town, she will wear her classic outfit everyone recognizes. She will only wear the new dress each time she returns to Sunny Island and sees Mark. For now, she places the dress in the drawer and pats it remembering all the wonderful memories she made on the island. She now looks forward for winter to come around again so she can see the island, her chickens, and Mark again.

On the first Monday of spring, Popuri takes the boat to Forget-Me-Not Valley for her first lesson of the year. As she walks through the valley carrying her notebook, she takes in the beautiful view of early spring. There is a sweet floral scent in the air coming from the cherry blossoms that are blooming. The valley has rested well over the winter, and the farms are now preparing for the spring harvests. She passes by Jill’s farm and sees her chickens playing outside in the yard. Seeing them so happy makes Popuri happy as well.

Popuri knocks on Takakura’s door as soon as she gets there. She waits patiently for him to answer, but nothing happens. She was at least expecting to hear him get the house ready for guests. She tries to knock again, but still no answer. “That’s odd, he should be expecting me,” said Popuri in a concerned tone.

She turns the doorknob, and finds that he door is unlocked. Takakura is not the type to forgot to lock his door, so she grows even more concerned. She opens the door and gasps as soon as she finds the house empty. All of his furniture, books, and belongings are gone. Takakura is nowhere to be found. She walks around the house and notices that someone cleaned it. Not a speck of dirt or dust is on the floor or walls. She wonders what could have happened while she was away.

She then heads to Jill’s farm to find out where Takakura went. The spring crops are planted, and some of the turnips have sprouted. The animals are also outside grazing, so she knows that Jill is at least home. So she walks up to her house and knocks on her door. Jill opens the door moments later and finds Popuri standing outside. “Poppy,” she gasps in a shocked tone.

Popuri smiles, “hi there! I came back from Sunny Island and-” Before she can finish, Jill quickly rushes to her and embraces her tightly.

Jill trebles as she says, “I’m so glad that you’re here. I missed you.”

“I missed you too. I have so much to tell you about what happened in Sunny Island. But where’s Takakura? Did he move away? Why didn’t he tell me he was planning to move before I left?”

Jill releases Popuri and slowly backs away a few steps. There is a look of sadness in Jill’s eyes that are looking away. Popuri starts to worry even more as she asks, “Jill. . . What happened? What’s wrong?”

Jill sighs sadly as she gains the courage to say, “Uncle Taka. . . Died while you were away.”

Popuri’s eyes widen. She begins to tremble as she tries to process what Jill just said. “He. . . Died? But how? He was fine when I left!”

“I know. He was so strong, but he was old too. He worked hard with my dad all his life. Now he is with my dad in heaven.”

Popuri could not believe what she heard. Her eyes quickly fill with tears as she falls to her knees and cry. “He can’t. . . He can’t be gone,” she said in between sobs. “He promised that I can finish my training when I came back. . . He still has so much to teach me. . . I have so much to learn. . . I wanted to spend more time with him. . . He was like a dad to me. . . What am I going to do now?”

Jill kneels down and pats her head. She knows how Popuri feels, Jill cried for days when Takakura passed away. She then pulls out a letter out of her pocket and shows it to Popuri, “it’s okay. Uncle Taka lived a long and happy life. Look, he even wrote us letters. This one is for you.”

Popuri wipes her tears and takes a look at the envelope that Jill is holding. Her name is written on I with Takakura’s handwriting. She takes the letter and opens it to read what it says silently.

Dear Popuri,

If you are reading this, then I am finally resting peacefully. This winter was especially harsh, and I have been in pain for years. I did my best to stay around for Jill, and I’ve tried even harder for you. As I write these letters, I could feel death lurking nearby and I know that I only have a few more days left in me.

Please don’t cry for me, I lived a long life. I was married, had children, and started a farm with my best friend. I am glad that his daughter has taken over the farm. And I am especially proud to be your teacher since last spring. It meant the world to me.

My only regrets are leaving you both too soon. I wanted to watch Jill get married to the man she loves. And I wanted to teach you everything else I know. You have been such a hard working and dedicated student, I’m sure hat you can learn the rest on your own. Experience will make you a better chicken rancher after all. I only imagine what your face must look like once you’ve found your chickens on Sunny Island. I wish I could have heard all the storied once you came back.

I’m sorry that I can’t leave you anything else other than my final lesson. A few pieces of advice from your teacher. Do not let anyone take your dreams from you. Work hard so you can travel the world, there’s so much to learn that even I don’t know. Spread your wings and be free. I know the journey will be hard, but I believe in you. As long as you do your best, that’s good enough for me.

Goodbye Popuri. Please do an old man a favor and help Jill in the farm. Watch over her, I know you two can achieve great things. But only if you wish it so.

Sincerely,

Takakura

Popuri’s tears drip on the letter as soon she is done reading. She presses the letter against her chest as she cries for her fallen teacher. All Jill can do is embrace and comfort her. They both loved Takakura like a second father. They now only have each other to rely on.

After some time, Jill and Popuri returns to Takakura’s house to say their final farewells. Popuri looks around and recalls all the wonderful memories she shares with Takakura. All the lessons she got from him, all the questions she asked, and all the help Jill gave them. She still can’t believe that the lessons are over, but she is also happy they happened. The girls hold hands as Popuri says, “Goodbye Takakura. Thank you for everything you did for me. I will never forget you and be forever grateful.”

Time passed, and Popuri slowly heals from the shock of losing her teacher. Spring has passed as well, and Summer is in full swing. The days are hot, and Kai still has not returned. At this point, Popuri isn’t even upset about it anymore. Kai has gone away, and Popuri has found someone else she is in love with.

One afternoon, Popuri, Rick, and Lillia are sitting together having supper. Karen is at the clinic since she has not been feeling well. Everything seems normal, until Lillia’s hands started to tremble. Her breathing starts to get heavy quickly, and she is sweating from a sudden fever. Her children recognizes hat she is having an attack from her illness, but it’s a bit more severe than normal. Rick rushes to get her medicine, and Popuri helps her to her bed so she can rest.

Lillia’s symptoms subside after she drinks her medicine. She then takes a deep breath before looking to the concerned look on Rick and Popuri’s faces. She is happy that her children are there for her, but she does recognize that they are now adults with their own lives to lead. Life has been very hard on her ever since Rod has left town. She waited so long for the medicine he promised, but she now feels that she can’t wait much longer. She’s only getting weaker, so she will have to retire before her illness becomes fatal.

“Are you okay mom?” asked Rick.

“Mama, are you going to be okay?” asked Popuri.

“I’m fine now, thank you both. I’m afraid that this disease is only getting worse, and I won’t be able to work in this ranch anymore. It’s time that I passed the ranch down,” answered Lillia.

She looks to her son to say, “can I count on you to keep working in the chicken ranch Rick?”

Rick nods, “you can count on me.”

Lillia then turns to her daughter who looks so sad. “Popuri, you are going to take over my job from now on.”

Popuri looks up at her mother looking surprised. “But Mama, you’re the manager here!”

Lillia nods, “that’s right. I’m leaving you in charge of our chicken ranch.”

Rick steps in to ask, “are you sure about this? Can Popuri really handle that much responsibility?”

Lillia looks at Rick again and nods, “I’m sure. Popuri has been taking chicken ranching lessons since last year.”

“Wait, how did you know about that?” asked Popuri.

Lillia smiles at Popuri as she answers, “Vesta told me all about it. You’ve been going to the valley to train with Takakura. I didn’t mean to keep the fact I knew a secret, but I wanted to watch you grow into the person you’ve always wanted. You’ve surpassed both Rick and your father. You’re now a true adult, and you no longer need me limiting what you can do. I’m sure that the ranch will do well in your hands.”

“But what about dad?” argued Rick “Won’t he take over the ranch when he gets back?”

Lillia shakes her head no and responds, “your father isn’t coming back. I have waited for him for a long time, but I haven’t heard from him in years. I no longer know where he is, what he’s doing, or if he’s even still alive. So I have accepted the fact that he’s never coming home.”

Karen then walks into the bedroom. She has overheard a bit of what Lillia said, so she wanted to add, “Guess what? Rick is going to get a lot busier from now on!”

“What do you mean?” asked Lillia.

“I just came back from the clinic, I just found out I’m pregnant!”

Everyone gasps and crowds around Karen showering her with excited praise and questions. Lillia takes it easy and smiles for her growing family. So many things will change in the chicken ranch, and everyone can’t wait to get started.

For the rest of summer, Lillia has been teaching Popuri everything she knows about managing the chicken ranch. As soon as Popuri finishes learning from her mother, the first thing she decides to do is terminate any contracts they have with any butchers and slaughterhouses. She only wants to sell chickens to other farms and ranches. Popuri’s plan worries Lillia a bit, but her daughter is in charge now. Popuri comforts her mother and explains that she has a plan.

Over the fall, Popuri teaches Rick a new way to raise chickens. She believes that the ranch can make more money by raising chickens the same way her four chickens were raised last year. She learned from Mark that high quality award winning chickens are in high demand. Chickens that are raised with love and care produce better quality eggs, which farmers in small towns need.

Popuri also contacts Mark and Jill to help her find other farms to advertise. She is sending out advertisements on her ranch’s improved egg laying chickens. Things has been slow at first, but business quickly picks up once the ranch’s reputation spreads.

And in winter, Popuri fulfills her promise to Mark by returning to Sunny Island to spend time with the man she fell in love with. She wears the same dress she had on the year before when she met Mark. Their love continues like if they were never separated. She tells him everything hat has happened since they last seen each other. So many things has happened, but Mark is very supportive with her family’s career. This means that Mark and Popuri won’t get married for a while, but he will hold on to the blue feather until she is ready.