Chapter 6

A couple of years have slipped by since Toby, the bright-eyed and energetic toddler, was born into Vale and Celia's life. Their days on the farm have unfurled with the rhythm of a family growing together. While Toby shares the best of both his parents, there's a consensus in the valley that he bears a striking resemblance to Celia, from the twinkling brown eyes to the mop of chestnut hair. The farmhouse echoes with Toby's laughter, a symphony of pure delight that envelops them all. His boundless curiosity keeps Vale and Celia on their toes, a reminder that the world is an endless playground for a growing child.

The farm, much like their family, has flourished over the years. Vale's tireless efforts and Celia's green-fingered wizardry have turned their land into a haven of abundance. The once-modest ranch has unfurled its boundaries, welcoming new animals such as sheep, ducks, and a goat. The crops thrive under their diligent care, the trees now grow with bountiful fruit. The ranch has transformed into a bountiful homestead, a reminder of the love and hard work they've poured into it each and every day.

Toby now has a play area lovingly tucked beside his small bed, adorned with a treasure trove of toys that have become the building blocks of his early development. His favorite possession is a well-worn drawing pad, its pages filled with colorful creations that showcase his blossoming creativity. Each stroke of his crayon or marker is a testament to his growing imagination. Beside the drawing pad, a stack of colorful blocks invites Toby to construct and deconstruct his miniature architectural wonders. These simple wooden pieces are not just playthings; they are the foundation of his problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. A toy car, complete with tiny wheels that spin effortlessly, takes Toby on adventures across the imaginative landscapes he dreams up. It's more than just a toy; it's his vehicle to explore the boundless realms of make-believe. And then there's the bouncing ball, a source of endless giggles and energy. Toby's tiny hands grasp it tightly as he hops and bounces around, developing his balance and physical prowess. Together, these toys are not just playthings; they are the tools that fuel Toby's growth and development, nurturing his young mind and body as he explores the world around him.

Celia, in the tender role of mother, has embraced her responsibilities with grace. Her nurturing instincts have flourished alongside their growing crops, a seamless blend of life in full bloom. She has mastered the delicate art of balancing the demands of the ranch and family, ensuring both thrive under her watchful eye. Toby's first words often revolve around plants and animals, showing off the vibrant environment he's being raised in. Meanwhile, Vale wears his mantle as a father with pride, witnessing Toby's first steps and guiding him into the ways of ranch life with eager enthusiasm. Their days are filled with the music of life, a family harmoniously bound by love.

Takakura's heart swells with a profound sense of happiness as he gazes upon the thriving ranch, a living reality to the dreams he once shared with his partner, Jack. Their vision has taken root in this very soil, and the fruits of their labor are visible in every corner of the ranch. He often finds himself reflecting on their journey, how they started with little more than a patch of land and a shared dream.

Standing amidst the lush fields and the cheerful chorus of animals, Takakura can't help but feel that Jack's spirit is still very much a part of this place. It's as if his partner's presence lingers in every rustling leaf and every bountiful harvest. And whenever he gazes up at the endless expanse of the sky, Takakura can't help but imagine Jack looking down with a fond smile.

In the stillness of the countryside, where time flows as gently as a meandering stream, Takakura feels a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the dream they nurtured together, for the love that filled their days, and for the legacy they built. It's a legacy that stretches beyond the ranch's fences and touches the lives of everyone in Forget-Me-Not Valley, a testament to the enduring power of dreams and the bonds that transcend time. As he continues to care for the ranch and guide the next generation, Takakura knows he is fulfilling not just his own dream but Jack's as well.

In the farm where Celia once resided, Marlin diligently tends to the fields on Vesta's land. His countenance bears a somber tone, a stark contrast to the flourishing greenery that stretches before him. While some time has passed since Celia's decision to marry Vale over him, the wound in Marlin's heart still throbs with a lingering ache.

Vesta, ever astute, observes her brother from a distance as he cultivates the land. She is acutely aware of the pain he carries, the silent suffering that courses through him. Despite her earnest attempts to console him and reassure him that life holds more promise, Marlin's heart remains heavy with unspoken yearning. The love he once held for Celia was pure and profound, and its absence has left a void that isn't easily filled.

Vesta has made efforts to find a companion for her brother, but it proves more challenging than she anticipated. Marlin's reserved and introverted nature is difficult to introduce to potential matches, and any interest shown is met with his cold shoulder. To Marlin, Celia was unique, and no ordinary person can hope to replace her in his life. The burden he carries includes the regret of not confessing his feelings to her before Vale arrived in the valley.

One late Summer afternoon, as daylight wanes, Vesta and Marlin sit down for dinner at the rustic farm table. Vesta relishes the salad she's crafted from the freshly harvested crops, savoring each bite, while Marlin merely picks at his tomatoes with a fork. Vesta exhales with exasperation. "Come on, Marlin, you have to eat. Your health is weak as it is, and you're only making it worse by not eating."

With a defeated sigh, Marlin reluctantly takes a bite of his salad, then sets his fork down, his voice tinged with frustration. "What's the point? The farm has grown silent and lifeless ever since Celia married Vale. I'm not sure why I'm still here."

“You know exactly why you’re here. The fresh air and exercise are good for you. Not to mention that you’re a great help around the farm. But you can’t work your best if you don’t eat.”

Marlin's fork meanders through the salad, each leaf of lettuce becoming a canvas for his unspoken turmoil. The faint scrape of metal on china punctuates the heavy silence, a symphony of regrets hidden beneath his every movement. In that moment, the dining room feels like an ancient amphitheater, and Marlin is ready to confess his deepest lament.

"Vesta," he finally says, his voice carrying the weight of regret, "I keep thinking about what could've been if I'd just told Celia how I felt before Vale showed up. These feelings, they've been with me for so long, but I could never find the words. And now, seeing Celia with Vale, raising their son together, it just makes me wonder. It's a constant reminder of what I didn't do, the love I never expressed. I sometimes wish I'd been braver back then."

As Marlin wrestles with his unspoken emotions, Vesta draws in a deep breath, her face a canvas painted with empathy and a long-held secret. She chooses her words carefully, finally revealing a truth she's harbored for years. "Marlin," she begins gently, "there's something I've never shared with you. Before Vale ever set foot in Forget-Me-Not Valley, Celia's heart already belonged to someone else. Even if you'd found the courage to confess earlier, it wouldn't have changed the course of her feelings."

Marlin raises an inquisitive gaze, curiosity tugging at the corners of his expression. "Seriously?" he questions, his voice tinged with intrigue. "Who was it?"

Vesta, her heart heavy with the weight of a long-guarded secret, releases a sigh before uttering her revelation. "It was Jack," she confesses softly, her words carrying a somber tone, "Vale's father."

Marlin's fork clatters onto the plate in a moment of disbelief, his hand trembling as he absorbs Vesta's revelation. He stammers, "Wait, did Jack—"

Before he can finish his question, Vesta interjects with a calm but sorrowful tone, "No, Jack had no idea about her feelings for him." She rises from her chair and moves toward the window, her gaze distant as she peers out over her fields. The scenes of days long past flicker through her mind like an old-time TV show. She recalls a time when she was younger, when the farm was still new, and a "Help Wanted" sign stood as a beacon of hope in her solitude, a plea for assistance in maintaining her farm.

"I met Jack and Takakura when they were much younger and full of life. They wanted to open up a ranch, but they didn’t have the skills or money to do it. I hired Jack to help me run this farm, while Takakura was in charge of building the ranch. Jack and I worked well together, and the farm flourished because of his help.

"Jack was a man of many talents," Vesta continues, her eyes distant as she recalls those earlier years. "He wasn't just a hard worker; he had a natural way with farm tasks. Our crops thrived under his care, and he even managed to spot early signs of crop troubles like disease or pest infestations, long before I did. Even if Jack had no actual farming experience, he would tell me that he studied a lot back in the city to prepare himself for life on a ranch.

"But it wasn't just his skills that made him invaluable. Jack had an infectious spirit. He brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie to the valley. It felt like a home with him around. We'd work hard during the day, and in the evenings, we'd hang out with the other villagers. Jack would share stories about his son Vale, and the dreams he held for his boy. His tales made even the gloomiest day feel brighter for everyone. His laughter was the soundtrack to our lives here.

"We'd talk about family and our dreams. Jack was like a fatherly figure to many, even back then. He was a mentor to the young adults of the valley, guiding us as we navigated the complex natrure of life. Whether it was matters of the heart, career decisions, or simply finding one's purpose, he was always there with a kind word and a piece of advice. He emphasized the importance of following our passions and pursuing our dreams.

"After a few years," Vesta continues, her gaze drifting back to those distant memories, "I received word that would change the course of my life. It was a desperate plea for help from my best friend back in the city. She had been hurt really bad in her job, and her days were numbered. I rushed back to my hometown, heart heavy with worry and fear. The city's bustling streets felt cold and unforgiving compared to the warm embrace of Forget-Me-Not Valley.

"When I arrived at the hospital at her bedside, my dear friend's condition had taken a turn for the worse. She lay there, weak and frail, but her spirit remained unbroken. Her daughter, Celia, sat by her side, tears streaming down her innocent young face as she watched her mother's life slowly slip away. I took my friend's hand, and in her final moments, she mustered the strength to speak. She had only one request: that I take care of Celia after she was gone.

"In that solemn room, with the weight of her final wish pressing upon me, I promised my friend that I would protect and care for her daughter as if she were my own. With her last breath, she passed the responsibility of motherhood to me, entrusting me with Celia's future.

"I knew that bringing Celia to Forget-Me-Not Valley was the right thing to do. This peaceful place, surrounded by the beauty of nature, would be the ideal setting for a young girl like her to grow up in. And so, I brought Celia to the valley, where she would find a loving home, a tight-knit community, and the chance to grow up and flourish among the lush fields and gentle streams. It wasn't just Celia's arrival that enriched our lives, but also the profound connection that blossomed between her and the valley itself.

“Jack and Celia," Vesta continues, her tone tinged with warmth, "formed a bond that transcended mere friendship. They got along splendidly from the moment Celia stepped foot in Forget-Me-Not Valley. Jack, in his own gentle way, became a fatherly figure to her, offering guidance, support, and an unconditional source of comfort. He would often share stories about his son, a young boy living in the bustling city, his voice filled with pride and fondness. Celia, in turn, listened with rapt attention, hanging onto every word as if it were a precious piece of her own history.

"As the years went by, it was clear that Celia was growing not only fond of Jack but deeply attached to him. Jack's tireless work ethic, his unshakable sense of responsibility, and the kindness that radiated from him were qualities that resonated with Celia. She admired him, not just as a family friend, but as someone who filled the void left by the loss of her own mother. His presence became a soothing balm for her wounded heart, a reminder of the love and care she had once known.

"Inevitably, Celia's affection for Jack grew more profound. She saw in him the embodiment of the nurturing figure she had lost, and her feelings, though innocent, began to transform into something deeper. Her love for Jack, however, remained unspoken, buried beneath layers of respect, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. Little did she know that the man who had come to mean so much to her would be a silent participant in the uncharted territories of her heart.

"When Celia turned eighteen, something changed in our small community," Vesta continues, a trace of nostalgia in her voice. "Jack's ranch, a long-standing dream of his, was finally complete. With a mixture of excitement and bittersweet farewells, he made the decision to move into his ranch, a space he had worked tirelessly to create. It was a monumental step for him, leaving behind the farm he had helped nurture and Celia who he loved like a daughter.

"At that time, I faced the challenge of maintaining the farm on my own. It was a task that demanded more hands than Celia and I possessed, and the responsibility weighed heavily on our shoulders. That's when I remembered you, Marlin, Your health was poor, and the job you had was making you ill. I knew I needed help, and having you work on the farm benefited all of us.

"You arrived in Forget-Me-Not Valley quietly, and in the beginning, I had no idea that you liked Celia. You were reserved, a man of few words, and I couldn't have guessed that you harbored affection for her so soon. Little did I know that while you were here, she would often visit Jack's ranch, seeking the solace and familiarity of his presence, blissfully unaware of the emotions brewing within your heart."

"As the years passed, it became evident that Celia's affection for Jack was growing even more than just a fondness for a family friend," Vesta continues, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "She would often spend hours at his ranch, and her eyes would light up with an unmistakable warmth whenever she spoke of him. It was a love that she cherished in her heart, even though she was aware of the vast age difference between them.

"I couldn't bear to see her potentially hurt as the years went by. Jack was growing older, and I worried that her feelings, left unspoken, would become a burden that weighed down her heart. It was a difficult decision, but one I made out of love and concern for her well-being. I thought an arranged marriage, with someone her own age who could offer her a future, would be the best course of action. I wanted to spare her the pain of longing for someone whose life was moving in a different direction, someone who could never truly reciprocate her romantic feelings."

Vesta's voice trails off briefly as she recalls the emotions and conflicts that surrounded that decision, the weight of her responsibility as a guardian to Celia. Vesta's voice softens as she continues her narrative, her eyes cast downward as if reliving those painful moments. "I remember that day so vividly," she says, her tone heavy with the weight of the past. "I had gathered the courage to tell Celia about the arranged marriage, and she reacted with anger and tears. She didn’t want to have an arranged marriage, and we had an argument. We exchanged harsh words, hurtful ones, fueled by the love and frustration that had built up over the years.

"She stormed out of the house, her heartache written across her face. In her distressed state, she went to Jack's ranch to confess her feelings, to lay bare her heart and the depth of her love for him. She needed him to know, even if it was just once, even if it could never be. But fate had its cruel way that night.

"When Celia returned home, her tear-streaked face told a tale of sorrow that words could not express. At first, I believed that Jack had rejected her, and my heart ached for her pain. But the truth was even more heart-wrenching. Jack, the kind-hearted soul who had been a fatherly figure to us all, had passed away in his sleep, unaware of the feelings that Celia had so desperately wanted to share with him. She never had the chance to tell him how she felt, and I can only imagine the grief that consumed her heart that night."

Vesta falls silent for a moment, the memory of that fateful night weighing heavily upon her. "It's no wonder that when he passed away, the entire valley mourned his loss. Jack left behind not only a thriving ranch but a legacy of kindness, guidance, and a deep connection to the land and each other. His memory continues to inspire us to this day."

Marlin, his mind swirling with the revelations from Vesta's past, hesitates for a moment before he finally asks the question that has been lingering on his lips. "Vesta," he begins, his voice gentle yet filled with uncertainty, "does Celia truly love Vale, or is she holding onto the memory of Jack? Is it possible that she's never let go of her feelings for him?"

Vesta, her gaze thoughtful and understanding, shakes her head gently. "Marlin, I've watched her closely all these years. Jack may have been the initial spark that opened her heart, but Vale has filled it with a different kind of love. Celia had grown to love Vale deeply for who he is, for the life they've built together. Celia isn't living in the past; she's embracing the present and the future with Vale and their son. She loves him, Marlin, and she loves the family they've created."

Marlin listens to Vesta's words, a mix of relief and understanding washing over him. Hearing the truth, he had feared that Celia's heart would be forever locked in the past, yearning for something unattainable. Vesta's assurance that Celia's love for Vale is real and sincere brings a sense of comfort, dispelling some of the doubts that had haunted him.

As the conversation with Vesta comes to an end, Marlin's heart feels lighter, burdened by fewer regrets and insecurities. With a newfound clarity, he decides that he will watch over Celia from a distance, silently caring for her in the best way he can, even if he can't be with her as her partner. It's a bittersweet resolution, acknowledging that their paths have diverged, but it's one filled with a quiet, enduring love that transcends words.

Marlin knows that Celia deserves happiness, and if that happiness lies with Vale and their family, then he will support her choice wholeheartedly. He realizes that true love isn't just about possessing someone's heart; it's also about wanting what's best for them, even if it means stepping aside. And so, under the canopy of that Summer afternoon, Marlin silently makes a promise to himself - to be there for Celia, to care for her, and to protect her happiness, no matter where life's journey takes them.