The second letter arrived late, carried by another traveler. Elara's heart leapt when she saw the handwriting.
Elara,
I'm sorry I've stayed so long. The music here has given me chances I never imagined. Crowds, songs, stories I can't ignore. But every night, I think of you, of the fields, of the promise I made. I will return. Please wait a little longer.
—Kai
Elara pressed the letter to her lips, relief mixing with sorrow. She wanted to believe, and so she did. But the sunflowers around her had already bowed low, their golden light dimming.