Chapter 15

As the days of Spring continue to bloom, something between Toby and Kate begins to shift. They are still together, still holding hands on long walks through the valley and sharing smiles, but Toby can sense the growing distance. Kate has been quieter lately, her playful energy dimmed like a candle flickering in the wind.

Toby notices the subtle changes. She doesn't laugh as much when they're together, and sometimes, when he's talking about plans for the future—about working on the ranch, or about the next festival in the valley—Kate just gives him a soft smile, her eyes distant. It's as if she's somewhere else, a place he can't quite reach.

One day, while they sit by the riverbank, watching the slow flow of water over smooth stones, Toby decides to ask, "Hey, Kate, is everything okay? You've been a little... quiet lately."

Kate looks up from the water, startled by his question. For a moment, she doesn't know what to say. She has been holding onto the news of her acceptance into college, trying to savor each moment with Toby before the truth changes everything.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she says, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. She wants to tell him, but at the same time, she doesn't. She wants more time—time to pretend that nothing will change between them, time to just be with him before she leaves the valley.

Toby studies her for a moment longer, but then lets it go. He trusts her, and if she says she's fine, then maybe she just needs a little space. Still, he can't shake the feeling that something is wrong.

As the sun dips below the horizon and the sky glows with shades of pink and orange, Kate leans against Toby's shoulder. He wraps an arm around her, holding her close, and for a moment, everything feels right. But in her heart, Kate knows the truth she's been hiding. She is going to leave the valley, and the future she imagined with Toby—carefree and beautiful—will never come to pass.

Kate bites her lip, wondering how much longer she can keep this secret. She doesn't want to hurt Toby, and she doesn't want to see the look of disappointment in his eyes when she finally tells him. But for now, she chooses to stay quiet, hoping to hold onto the present for just a little while longer.

As Summer returns to Forget-Me-Not Valley, Kate feels the weight of her secret growing heavier with each passing day. The warm breeze, the scent of blooming flowers, and the golden glow of the sun only serve as bittersweet reminders that this might be her last Summer here. She knows that once Winter ends, she'll be gone—off to the city, off to college, and away from Toby.

One early Summer afternoon, she and Toby sit together on a picnic blanket spread out in a meadow, surrounded by wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. Toby is enjoying one of the sandwiches Kate prepared, eating heartily, but Kate's mind is far from the idyllic scene around them. She barely touches her food, her fingers nervously picking at the edge of the blanket beneath her. The anxiety of keeping her secret for so long has started to take a toll on her, and she knows she can't hide it any longer.

Toby notices her fidgeting, his sharp eyes catching the way she twists the fabric in her hands, her gaze distant. He furrows his brow and pauses mid-bite, wiping his mouth before speaking.

"Hey, Katie," Toby says softly, leaning forward to catch her attention. "What's going on? You've been acting weird for a while now." His voice is gentle but filled with concern, as he searches her face for some sign of what's troubling her.

Kate forces a weak smile, trying to brush it off like she has so many times before. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just… thinking, that's all."

But Toby doesn't buy it this time. He scoots closer, sitting directly next to her now, his hand reaching out to take hers. The warmth of his touch is reassuring, but it only makes the pit in her stomach grow. "Katie, please," he says, his blue eyes filled with worry. "Just tell me. You can talk to me. You know that, right?"

His plea tugs at her heart, and Kate knows she can't hide it anymore. She takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment, and turns to look at him. "Toby… there's something I haven't told you."

Toby's face softens, though there's an edge of anticipation in his expression. "What is it?" he asks, his voice quieter now, as if bracing himself for whatever is coming.

Kate swallows hard. "I… I got accepted into college."

For a moment, there's silence between them. Toby blinks, processing the news. "You did?" he says, and for a brief second, a smile breaks across his face. "Kate, that's amazing! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

But Kate's face doesn't mirror his joy. She looks down, pulling her hand from his as she starts to explain. "I… I didn't know how to tell you because… because it means I have to leave. I'll be going to the city, Toby. I'll be gone… for good."

The realization crashes down on him, and the smile fades from Toby's face, replaced by shock. "Wait… what?" he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're not coming back?"

Kate nods, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I wanted to tell you so many times, but I just… I didn't know how. I didn't want to hurt you. But Toby… once I go, I won't be able to stay in the valley. We won't be able to be together anymore."

Toby sits there, frozen, as the words sink in. His hand grips the blanket, knuckles white, as he tries to wrap his head around it. "So… you're leaving, and that's it?" he asks, his voice trembling slightly. "You're just… gone?"

Kate's heart breaks at the look on his face, at the way the happiness he'd felt only moments ago has drained away. "I don't want it to be like this," she whispers, tears slipping down her cheeks now. "But I have to go, Toby. This is my future, my chance to do something more. And as much as I love being here with you… I can't stay."

For a long moment, there's only the sound of the wind rustling through the flowers around them. Toby's mind races, torn between wanting to support Kate's dreams and the devastating realization that she's slipping away from him. He looks at her, eyes full of pain but also understanding. "I get it," he says, his voice hoarse. "You have to go. But… damn, Kate, this hurts."

Kate wipes at her eyes, feeling her heart shatter all over again. "I know," she whispers. "I'm sorry, Toby. I didn't want it to end like this."

Toby lets out a shaky breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he stares out at the horizon. "So… when do you leave?" he finally asks, his voice barely steady.

Kate hesitates before answering, "I'll be gone by Spring."

Toby nods slowly, taking it all in. He looks back at her, eyes searching hers as if trying to find something, anything, to make the situation less painful. But there's nothing he can do.

"I guess we'll just… make the most of the time we have left," he says, though the words feel heavy on his tongue.

Kate nods, her throat tight. "Yeah," she agrees softly. "We will."

But even as they sit there, side by side, surrounded by the beauty of the valley they've both grown up in, the reality of what's to come looms over them like a shadow. It's only a matter of time before everything sits quietly behind Kate, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of sadness and determination. Gently, he reaches out and pats her head, his fingers brushing through her hair. Kate leans back against his chest, grateful for his tenderness. Even in this difficult moment, his presence soothes her, and for a few brief seconds, the weight of her decision feels lighter.

The quiet between them stretches out, the only sound the soft rustling of the flowers around them and the distant hum of insects. As much as Kate loves Toby, she knows deep down that going to college has always been her dream—something she's wanted for as long as she could remember. Even if it means leaving him behind, she has to go.

But as she feels Toby's arms wrap around her in a gentle embrace, his warmth filling her with comfort, his voice cuts through her thoughts.

"I should go to college with you."

Kate's eyes widen in shock. She sits up slightly, turning to face him, her heart racing at his unexpected words. "What? Toby, what are you talking about?" she asks, disbelief clear in her voice. "The entrance exam already passed. You can't just decide to go now."

Toby meets her gaze, his expression steady, even as a flicker of uncertainty dances in his eyes. "There's a make-up exam in the Fall," he says, his voice soft but firm. "I heard about it a while ago. I'll take it."

Kate shakes her head, still reeling from his suggestion. "Toby… the exam is really difficult. It's not something you can just pass without studying for months."

"I know that," Toby replies, his voice filled with determination. "I'll study. I'll study harder than I've ever studied before."

Kate's heart aches at his resolve. She knows how stubborn Toby can be when he sets his mind to something, but this… this is a huge decision. "But… what about the ranch? Your dad depends on you, Toby. You've always said you're going to take over after him. You can't just leave him behind."

Toby pauses for a moment, glancing down at the ground before looking back at her, his hand still holding hers tightly. "I'll talk to him," he promises. "I'll explain everything. If this is what I want, he'll understand. I want to be with you, Kate. I don't want us to end just because you're leaving the valley."

Kate stares at him, her emotions a whirlwind of disbelief, hope, and fear. She wants to believe him, wants to think that this crazy idea could work. But there's so much at stake. What if he doesn't pass the exam? What if his father doesn't approve? What if Toby ends up resenting her for dragging him away from the life he's always known?

"I don't know, Toby," Kate whispers, her voice shaky. "This… this is a lot to think about."

Toby squeezes her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "I know it's a lot," he says gently. "But I've thought about it too. I don't want to lose you, Kate. And if this is what it takes to keep us together, then I'm willing to give it a shot. You're my dream too, you know?"

Kate's chest tightens at his words, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She never imagined Toby would offer to follow her, to leave the valley behind for her sake. It's overwhelming and heartwarming at the same time.

"You really mean it?" she asks, her voice small, vulnerable.

Toby nods, his expression serious. "I do. I'll talk to my dad. And I'll start studying for that exam. I won't let you go without at least trying."

Kate lets out a shaky breath, leaning forward to rest her forehead against his. For a moment, they stay like that, their heads pressed together, the world around them fading into the background. She knows this isn't an easy decision, and the road ahead will be difficult. But having Toby beside her… maybe, just maybe, they can make it work.

"Okay," Kate whispers finally. "Okay, Toby. If this is what you want… we'll try."

Toby smiles softly, his arms wrapping around her again as they sit together, their futures uncertain but intertwined. They both know there's no guarantee of what's to come, but for now, they have each other. And that's enough.

Toby came home with a stack of books and study guides he had borrowed from Kate. He felt the weight of them, both physically and emotionally, as if the stack represented more than just pages filled with information. These books held the possibility of a future he wasn't sure he could reach, but for Kate, he was willing to try.

He laid them out on the kitchen table and opened the first book. The pages were filled with complicated diagrams, formulas, and dense text. He furrowed his brow, already feeling overwhelmed. This was way beyond the practical ranch work he was used to. But he wasn't about to give up. Rolling up his sleeves, Toby pulled out Kate's notes, hoping that maybe they'd be easier to follow.

Hours passed, the sun dipping low in the sky as Toby struggled to make sense of the material. His head throbbed with frustration. His fingers scratched through his hair, pulling at the strands as if they could somehow help him absorb the information. Each sentence felt like a puzzle he didn't have the pieces for. Still, he pressed on.

As he sat hunched over the table, Vale came through the door, his boots thudding on the wooden floor. He stopped in his tracks when he saw his son surrounded by open books, his face twisted with frustration. Vale raised an eyebrow, setting down a basket of fresh produce.

"Toby? What are you doing?" Vale asked, walking over to him.

Toby glanced up, his eyes tired but determined. "I'm studying, Dad," he muttered, flipping through a page. "For the college entrance exam."

Vale's face dropped in shock, a wave of confusion hitting him. "College? The city?" His voice rose slightly in disbelief. "What about the ranch?"

Toby sighed, setting down the pencil he had been gripping tightly. He had known this moment was coming, but he hadn't expected it to feel this hard. "I… don't want to take over the ranch, Dad."

Vale's expression shifted from confusion to frustration. "What are you talking about, Toby? The ranch is supposed to be yours one day. You knew that."

Toby straightened in his chair, meeting his father's gaze head-on. "I never decided to do that. That decision was made for me."

The tension in the room crackled as father and son stared at each other. Vale's hands clenched into fists at his sides. "We've talked about this before. The ranch is your legacy, Toby. It's what your grandfather would have wanted. You're throwing away everything we've worked for."

Toby's eyes flashed with anger. "Why do you keep bringing up Grandpa? You never even liked him!" The words spilled out before Toby could stop them. He regretted it the moment he saw the look on Vale's face, but it was too late to take them back.

Vale's jaw tightened, his voice dangerously low. "Watch your mouth, boy."

"No, I'm serious," Toby pressed on, his frustration boiling over. "You didn't even get along with him. He wanted you to be a rancher, just like you want me to be one. And now you want me to honor his wishes? Why?"

Vale's face reddened with anger, his voice rising. "Because this ranch means something! It's more than just a job, Toby! It's our family's legacy. Something to be proud of!"

Toby shook his head, feeling the weight of his own words crushing down on him. "I get that it means something to you, Dad. But it doesn't mean the same thing to me. I'm not you, and I don't want to spend the rest of my life working here just because it's what's expected of me."

They stood in silence for a moment, the words hanging heavy in the air. Vale's shoulders slumped slightly as if the argument had drained the energy from him. "This isn't just about you, Toby," he said quietly, his voice rough. "It's about family. It's about keeping something alive for future generations."

Toby clenched his fists. "Well, maybe I don't want that future. Maybe I have my own dreams."

Vale's eyes flickered with a mixture of hurt and anger. "You're doing this for Kate, aren't you?"

Toby froze, the accusation stinging him. "It's not just for her. It's for me, too. I want to see the world beyond this valley, Dad. I want to try new things. Why is that so hard to understand?"

Vale stepped closer, his expression hardening. "Because I thought you were better than this. I thought you were stronger than to throw away everything we've built here. For what? A life you don't even know if you want?"

Toby's anger surged again, and before he could stop himself, the words flew out. "I hate you."

The room fell silent, the air thick with the weight of those words. Vale stood there, staring at his son in disbelief, his face pale. Toby's chest heaved, his breath coming out in sharp, angry bursts.

Without another word, Toby stormed past him, pushing the books into his arms and leaving the room. He needed space—space from the ranch, from his father, from everything.

In his room, Toby shut the door and sat down at his desk, the weight of the argument crashing over him like a wave. He rubbed his hands over his face, feeling the sting of guilt creeping in, but he couldn't let it stop him now. He needed to focus on his studies. He had to make this work—for himself and for Kate.

An hour later, Celia came through the front door, humming softly as she set down her basket of vegetables from Vesta's farm on the kitchen counter. She paused when she saw Vale slumped over the kitchen table, his hands clasped tightly together, his face drawn and filled with an exhaustion she hadn't seen in a long time.

"Vale?" she asked softly, stepping closer. "What's wrong?"

Vale didn't look up immediately, but his shoulders sagged even further, and when he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse, laced with frustration and hurt. "Toby hates me," he said simply, the words cutting through the air like a knife.

Celia blinked, startled by the rawness of his tone. She pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, reaching across the table to gently touch his arm. "What happened?"

Vale sighed deeply, rubbing his hands over his tired face. "We… we had an argument. About the ranch, about his future. He told me he's studying for the college entrance exam. Wants to go to the city with Kate. And when I questioned him, it… it just spiraled from there. Things got heated. He told me he doesn't want the ranch, and I… I pushed him. Brought up my father. It all blew up. Now he's locked himself in his room, and… he said he hates me."

Celia's heart ached as she listened. She had seen the bond between Vale and Toby strain over the years, especially when it came to the future of the ranch. But hearing it laid out so painfully still surprised her. She gave his arm a gentle squeeze.

"Why do you want Toby to take over the ranch so badly, Vale?" she asked softly. "I know you've talked about family legacy, but is that really it?"

Vale remained quiet for a long time, his eyes staring blankly at the table as if he were trying to gather the right words. He finally leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his graying hair. "I… I guess I never really thought about it beyond that. I always figured it's just what he was supposed to do. Just like I did."

Celia studied his face, seeing the vulnerability there. "But why did you decide to take over the ranch?" she pressed gently. "I know you didn't grow up here, and you've never wanted to be a rancher when you were young."

Vale chuckled bitterly, the sound laced with regret. "I didn't want this life," he admitted. "At least, not at first. When I was younger, I resented my father. He left me when I was a kid. Ran this ranch for years, but he was never around. When he finally passed away, I came back to the valley out of… I don't know. Curiosity, maybe? I wanted to understand why he left. Why this place was so important to him."

Celia listened quietly, her heart softening as Vale's words grew more open. "And did you find your answer?" she asked.

Vale nodded slowly. "Yeah. I did. I didn't understand at first, but once I started working the land, raising animals, I got it. It's hard work, sure, but there's something… peaceful about it. Something meaningful. And then… you came along," he added with a soft smile, his hand reaching to gently hold hers. "I don't regret coming here. Not for a second. I found a life I never knew I wanted. And I found you. And we had Toby. This ranch became home."

Celia smiled, her eyes warm as she squeezed his hand. "Then why are you pushing Toby so hard?"

Vale's face fell again as he mulled over the question. "I don't know. Maybe… maybe I just don't want him to leave. Maybe I'm afraid that if he goes, he'll never come back. That he'll end up resenting me, just like I resented my father."

Celia's eyes softened with understanding. "Vale, you're not your father. And Toby's not you. He doesn't need to stay here to prove anything. And he certainly won't resent you if you let him follow his own path. But if you keep pushing him like this… you might end up with the strained relationship you're so afraid of."

Vale stared at her, the weight of her words sinking in. He let out a long, deep breath, leaning forward as he rested his head in his hands. "You're right. I don't want that for us. I don't want to lose him. I just… I don't know how to let go."

Celia reached over and brushed a lock of his hair behind his ear. "You'll never lose him, Vale. You're his father. He loves you. He just needs to know that you support him, no matter what he chooses. It's not about the ranch. It's about him."

Vale sat in silence for a long moment, his mind whirling as everything began to fall into place. He had been so focused on the ranch, on the legacy, that he hadn't realized how much pressure he was putting on Toby—pressure that had never really been fair to begin with. His father's shadow loomed large, but it wasn't one he needed to force on his son.

"I'll talk to him," Vale finally said, his voice quieter but more resolute. "I'll make things right."

Celia smiled, leaning over to kiss his temple. "Good. I know you will. Just be honest with him. He needs to hear that from you."

Vale nodded, feeling a sense of clarity for the first time in a while. He wasn't sure how the conversation with Toby would go, but he knew it was something he had to do. Not for the ranch. Not for his father's legacy. But for his son—and for their future, whatever that might look like.

Later that evening, Vale stopped in front of Toby's bedroom door. For a moment, he hesitated, gathering his thoughts and his courage. The argument had left a weight on his chest that hadn't lifted all day. He knew what needed to be done. After a soft knock, he pushed the door open.

Inside, Toby was hunched over his desk, a pile of books spread out in front of him. His brow was furrowed, and every so often he scratched his head in frustration, muttering under his breath as he tried to make sense of the material. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't even notice his father standing there, watching him.

Vale took a deep breath, then walked forward. He picked up one of the thick textbooks from the desk and flipped through it. "This takes me back," he said, his voice quiet but warm. "I remember studying material just like this back when I was in college."

Toby froze, his pen still in his hand. His eyes shot up to his father, wide with surprise. "Wait—college?" he repeated. "You went to college?"

Vale chuckled softly and nodded, settling himself into the chair next to his son. "Yeah, I did. Before I took over the ranch, I worked in an office. Then my dad died, and I didn't want to take it over. But Takakura insisted that this was a better life. I believed him, and he was right. I met your mom, and you came to our lives."

Toby blinked in disbelief, his frustration momentarily forgotten. He had always seen his father as someone who had only ever worked in the ranch, but to hear that he'd had a life before all this… it was hard to wrap his head around. "I know you were born in the city, but you never told me that you went to college."

"I guess I didn't think it mattered," Vale admitted, running a hand through his graying hair. "When my father passed, I felt like I needed to come here and understand him. That's why I took over the ranch. But college? It's tough. I remember how hard it was to study, but I managed to get through it. And you will too."

Toby looked down at the books in front of him, his earlier determination now tinged with doubt. "But… what if I don't? What if I can't pass the exam? I don't even understand most of this stuff."

Vale placed a comforting hand on his son's shoulder, squeezing gently. "It's normal to feel like that, especially when you're starting out. But I know you can do it. You're smart, Toby. You've always been a quick learner here in the ranch. You just need a little guidance. How about I help you?"

Toby was taken aback. Just hours ago, they had been shouting at each other, and now here was his father, offering to help him study for the very exam that could take him away from the ranch. It was the last thing he had expected, but it filled him with a sense of relief he hadn't realized he needed.

"Really?" Toby asked, his voice soft with surprise. "You'll help me?"

Vale nodded, giving his son a reassuring smile. "Of course. I may not know everything, but I can at least help you get started. We can figure it out together."

For a few minutes, they worked side by side in companionable silence, Vale explaining the concepts that had stumped Toby, breaking them down into simpler terms. Toby listened intently, still marveling at the fact that his father had once been in his shoes.

As they worked, the earlier tension between them began to melt away. Finally, Toby put down his pen and turned to his father, his expression conflicted. "Dad… I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "For what I said earlier. I didn't mean it. I don't hate you."

Vale paused, then let out a long sigh, his hand resting on Toby's shoulder once more. "I know, son. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have pushed you like that. I should've been more supportive of what you want. I just… I didn't want to lose you, Toby. But I realize now that you need to make your own choices."

Toby felt a lump form in his throat, and he nodded, grateful for his father's understanding. "I love you, Dad," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too, son," Vale said, pulling him into a brief but heartfelt hug. "And no matter what happens—whether you stay here or go to the city—I'm proud of you. I'll always be proud of you."

Toby felt a warmth spread through him at his father's words, the burden he had been carrying lifted. When they pulled apart, Vale gave him a small smile and tapped the book in front of them. "Now, let's get back to work. We've still got a lot of material to cover."

With a newfound sense of determination and peace, Toby nodded, and they continued studying together late into the night. It wasn't easy, but with his father's support, Toby felt more confident than ever that he could do this—that he could chase his dreams without fear, knowing that his father had his back.