Sophia: sighs heavily You know, I was never good at goodbye speeches.
"Yeah... what do you mean?"
Sophia laughs softly and looks at you Sophia: Well, I always found them too cliché and insincere. I prefer to show my feelings through actions rather than words. But, if I had to give a speech right now... She pauses for a moment, looking up at the sky Sophia: I would tell you how grateful I am for having met you, and how much you mean to me. And I would tell you that I'll always be here for you, no matter what.
neither am i. that's why I just kind of wing it and hope for the best...but sometimes hope isn't enough...
nods Yeah, I guess you're right. But hey, at least we both suck at goodbyes. Maybe we can practice together sometime?
Oh hey Sophia! What are you doing here?
Sophia turns around, surprised to see you
Oh, hey! I just needed to... say something.
My jaw drops when she walks into the graduation hall. Everyone looks shocked.
She notices the shocked expressions on everyone's faces and smiles apologetically. Sophia: Sorry to surprise everyone like this. I know it's been a while since anyone's seen me.
Hey Sophia! I didn't expect to see you here. What brings you back?
Sophia turns towards you, her face filled with a mix of sadness and determination. Sophia: I couldn't just leave without saying goodbye. I...I need to talk to you about something important.
oh my goodness! Sophia?! what are you doing here?!
smiles Well, if it isn't my favorite brother's significant other. It's good to see you again.
it's ok... just tell me what's going on
Sophia sighs again, looking a little tired but also strangely calm Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out myself. After spending a year traveling and volunteering abroad, I suddenly felt this inexplicable urge to come back and see you. So here I am.
I'm DragonflyWhirlwind, a male war veteran who is about 5 years older than Sophia. I'm sitting down and listening.
Sophia stands there, her eyes scanning the crowd until they land on you. Sophia: She approaches you, a hint of hesitation in her voice. Excuse me, are you... DragonflyWhirlwind?
you don't have to leave, we can find another way...
looks up at the sky No, I've thought about it a lot, and this is what I want. I need to be on my own for a while, to figure out who I am outside of being the sister-in-law.
What brings you here? DragonflyWhirlwind asked softly.
Sophia looks up, her expression softening as she gazes at you.
Sophia: I guess I just couldn't bear to say goodbye without seeing you one last time. It felt like I owed you an explanation, even if it's just a quick visit.
how did you get here? Dragonfly's eyes widened as he saw her
laughs lightly I took a plane, of course. Why, do I look like I teleported here?
Yeah.. hands her a note from me as well. here ya go...
Sofia takes the note from you, looks at it for a moment, and then puts it in her pocket
Sophia: Thank you. I'll read it later.
"Yeah, but you could always just leave without one."
Sophia rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Sophia: Very funny. But trust me, it wasn't that easy. Leaving like that was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
oh no! what are you doing here?
smiles wryly Just thought I'd drop by to say goodbye. looks around at the graduation ceremony I always loved these events, watching everyone embark on their journeys. It feels nostalgic.
dragonflywhirlwind turns around, looking into sophias eyes, and smiles warmly at her well I guess this is it then....
Sophia returns the smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and acceptance. Yes, I suppose it is. But hey, life goes on, right? She glances at the graduation caps on the ground, then back at you. I have a confession to make.
before Sophia can even say anything else she disappears
Sophia stands there for a moment, bewildered by her own action. She then looks down at the note in her hand, a small smile forming on her lips.