Chapter 14 Time flew by in the blink of an eye. In what felt like no time, the year was coming to an end. Felix received a letter stating that a large team of researchers would soon depart for the Dustvale Plains to complete the latest test flight experiments. He was among those invited. But the conditions in the Dustvale Plains were harsh, the weather unforgiving. Felix didn't want me to go. He couldn't bear to see me suffer. I didn't listen. I packed my little floral bag anyway, chirping cheerfully about my first real adventure away from home. Felix couldn't refuse me. But on the day of our departure at station, we found Julian waiting for us. He had clearly heard about our departure. He rushed over, eyes bloodshot, grabbing me tightly. "You're leaving? Eleanor, are you really leaving with him?" "Really giving up on me?" His expression was anguished, each word dripping with desperation. "Don't go. Stay. Don't leave." I gently pulled my hand back and looked at the ground, speaking slowly and honestly, "Julian, before you forced me to apologize to Violet, I had always seen you as family." "I even thought I would never, ever leave you.' "But, "I suddenly looked up, staring at him seriously. "Our 'forever' was too short." Julian winced at my gaze, hurriedly trying to explain, "No, Eleanor-it's over with Violet. I ended it." "We are completely done. There's only you now. >> His voice was hoarse, "I've been waiting for you to turn back." I smiled slightly. "But you'll have to forgive me this time, Julian. I can't wait around for you anymore." "I've found a new family. He cares for me and needs me too." I blinked, "I used to be a burden-always needing care, always being disliked. But Julian, do you can cook really well." "Felix says everyone has a purpose. He says I'm not useless-that I have value." know? I And now comoono noods I don't have to be treated as a constant burden or a nuisance. I have value. And that I can be needed. This feeling is wonderful. I am so happy. Julian shook his head like a concerned animal, a raw, helpless sound tearing from his throat. "I never Never!" saw you as a burden! Not now. But he would have. Eventually, with time, he will grow weary and impatient like in the dream. After all, the dream had already come true in so many ways-him always choosing Violet over me. Isn't that right? Julian saw the determination in my eyes and couldn't even stand straight. His voice trembled as he asked one last question. "What about me? What am I supposed to do?" "If you leave me...what will become of me?" I let Julian fall to the ground. I didn't answer. I turned and boarded the train, hopping excitedly toward Felix. This was Julian's burden to bear. It had nothing to do with me. Felix had taught me that in life, you have to learn to separate what's yours to carry from what isn't. From the moment he chose to stand by Violet, our lives were no longer intertwined. The train whistle blew, long and loud. Slowly, the train began to move. My entire youth was left behind in that city, fading away with the clatter of the tracks, gone forever. And I, with my little floral bag, followed my new family, racing toward a new future. We needed each other. We were each other's light. Chapter 1 The Last Meal