The summer sun was softer now, no longer the sharp blaze of July but the gentler warmth of August. The fields of sunflowers leaned heavier with age, golden heads drooping as if tired of holding so much light.
One morning, Elara found Kai packing his worn satchel. Her heart sank instantly.
"You're leaving."
Kai looked up, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Just for a while. There's a festival in the next town. Musicians gather, and… I need to be there."
Her throat tightened. "But you promised."
He walked to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I'll be back. Before the last sunflower wilts, remember? I keep my promises."
Tears welled in her eyes. She wanted to beg him not to go, but instead she whispered, "Then I'll wait."
Kai kissed her—deep, lingering, as though trying to give her something to hold onto. Then, with his guitar slung across his back, he walked down the dusty road. He turned once, lifted a hand in farewell, and was gone.
The sound of his footsteps faded, leaving only silence and the hum of cicadas.
Elara stood alone at the edge of the field, clutching the memory of his promise.