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The buses, though reliable, take long enough to get across the city that all I'm left with is my thoughts. Thoughts, racing against each other like it's a competition, each forcing themselves to the forefront when they see the others try to take the lead. The result is a wavering, anxiety-ridden mess of worries without the time to form a solution. How to handle getting my belongings from the house, the possibility of Penn being there to see me, the way Kylie seemed to panic and run when I told her what Clover and I had become... I don't understand any of it. Yet here I am, forcing myself to act through those first two issues regardless. If only I didn't have the time to make the coming events seem worse than they have any chance of being.

That mental purgatory is finally ended when the bus arrives at the stop I used to see so often. Now? I'm not sure when I'll next see it. Probably to find Clover something special at the bakery all over again, if I had to hazard a guess. That's for another day, though. I came here for one thing, and it's ten minutes down the street, past familiar scenery that will cease to be familiar after today, assuming I can get everything I need. Will I miss it a bit...? Maybe. Just maybe. The humble buildings on the way to our neighborhood. The simple, quiet homes with the occasional child at play. Little reminders each day of what could be. ...could've been, I suppose.

Trying my best to push that nagging thought away from the already-massive pile, I find myself standing before the front door. It's... it's just what needs to be done, Bonnie. He might not even be here. He could be off finding some other way to distract himself from my arrival. Maybe an early dinner, it's the afternoon, anyways. It's not like he'd be looking forward to this, either... would he? Regardless, I take my key from my purse, opening the door without any grand entrance. No announcement, not even a knock. If he's here, he at least shouldn't notice immediately. "Shouldn't" being the key word here. Setting my purse down in the entryway, I slowly, carefully make my way towards the living room. I don't know why I'm being so hesitant, besides Penn. It's as if I'm taking it all in, like coming home after a long time away at a new school. That kind of nervous, emotional reverence for a home that isn't home anymore. Even just making my way up the stairs, I-

"...Bonnie?" It just couldn't be a simple pick-up trip, could it? ...no, I suppose not.

"Well... yes. I'm here like I said, Penn."

"Can- can I get you anything? Was the journey alright? If there's anything I can do, just-"

"No, I don't think so. Not right now. All I really need is, well... if you could help with getting the important bits of my wardrobe together, that would be alright."

"...okay. I can do that, at least." That simple, resigned look on his face... it matches his tone on the phone yesterday. I suppose I can't blame him for just trying to see this through to the end, the both of us walking in somber silence to what was our room. I burned this bridge thoroughly, completely, and utterly. It's a miracle he's willing to stand before me, let alone help me move on from this.

Opening the closet while Penn moves to grab my folded things from the dresser, I reach to the upper storage area where I keep my suitcase and duffle bag. I'm unsure how much these can carry, but I can't say I'll regret needing to leave some things behind if it means not having to come back. My button-downs, cardigans, dresses, a rare pair of slacks occasionally... everything is a mental blur as it all gets folded and stuffed deep into the duffle bag, filling it bit by bit. Penn's help on this matter is appreciated, even as I can see him tensing up and hesitating while handling my scarlet nightgown. This home... I'd not thought about it because I'm leaving, but... I can't imagine it feeling anything but empty, after spending years here, together. A deep breath, his eyes shut in focus, and he's back on track with folding it, saying goodbye to that striking red that would grace our bed.

With the duffle bag filling to the brim and my closet looking bare of everything essential, that leaves my other belongings to take care of. Not many of those, honestly, save for some books and whatever supplies in the bathroom are mine. Maybe some other things I'm just not concerned with anymore. It's hard to will myself to think of things to grab when it'll keep me here longer. Just grab the basics, whatever you need, just rebuild later, I can just-

Such compromises are thrown from my mind when I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder.

"Ah... one more thing in here, Bonnie. Wouldn't want to forget it."

"Hm? What would I be- ...ah." Turning to face him, I see a little thing I'd forgotten about these past few years: that little stuffed lamb, seams having seen several rounds of repairs and patches, that was cradled in my arms each night for who knows how many years before I moved in with Penn. I don't know if I'll need it where I'm going, but I know that if I ever did need it, I'd panic if I realized I'd left it behind. Inconsolable, even. Taking it in hand, I can't help but hold it close to my chest, even if I'm going to set it down in a minute.

"It was resting near the back of one of your drawers. I know it was important to you, in some way, so..."

"Thank you... thank you, Penn. I don't know what I'd have done without it."

"If this was any indicator, there's at least a couple of things I think you wouldn't want to go without. Shall we take a look, then?" I mean... I guess he's right. I didn't even think of my little lamb. I suppose it couldn't hurt to take a walk through the house, double-checking everything. A trip down memory lane suddenly doesn't sound so bad.

"I think we should, if you're alright with that."

"Ha! Well, I'm the one who offered, you know."

"Hmhm... true enough, Penn. Let's get started." With that, we begin our journey through the various rooms that have seen little use. A guest room or two that we've just used for storage thus far. Some side closets that have a couple of stray boxes of decorations and the occasional, obligatory holiday piece to put up at the proper time of year. These little corners we had let be for almost our entire time here, now being disturbed at last to find things like my old clarinet from marching band and a quilt my family had given me when I left for college. Things less precious than the lamb, but still would've left a bit of a hollow feeling if I thought of them someday. Bringing them back to the bedroom where the suitcase awaits, the conversation begins again.

"I'd rather not assume, so... can I ask where you're planning to go? I understand that it's Clover's place for now, but is there somewhere else you're thinking of?"

"Oh, no. Clover and I are actually... well, we decided to start dating. I'm moving in with her."

"Oh...?"

"Yes, I know, things are going a bit faster than most people would but... looking back, I guess what we were doing was basically dating the whole time. We just... didn't acknowledge it, or cross certain lines. ...and I'm sorry for that. I don't think that was okay, even if I- well, I don't regret what it's brought me, in the end."

"I get it. I... I do. I can't say this was unexpected, but like I said, I'm trying not to reach a personal best at shoving my foot in my mouth like our call yesterday."

"...y-yeah, fair point. I-I still can't believe I said all that yesterday. Nearly screamed my head off. I'm so sorry..."

"No no, don't be. It was hard to hear. It still is, of course, but it also gave me a wake-up call. It's hard to tell where to start, but I have a lot to work on regardless. So... thank you, Bonnie. I've a lot to consider going forward, thanks to you." I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. I tore his head off over the phone, and he's thanking me??? I should be apologizing over and over, just to be allowed to stay long enough to grab my stuff, not... not being thanked for my lowest moment in years.

"Penn, you don't have to thank me for that, that was-"

"No, I will. I'm not saying it won't be hard, but I still think I needed that. I don't know what I'll do, but I think I'll be alright in the end."

"Penn..." Snapping myself back to the present, I begin settling the quilt into my suitcase. With my clarinet case on top of it, all I have left to grab are my supplies from the bathroom. After that, I... well, I planned to leave, but...

"...actually, Penn, I was thinking. You don't do much cooking yourself, right?"

"Sadly, no, but I'll just have to learn. I'll be fine."

"I hope so, but until then, how about one more meal? My slow-cooker dishes make plenty of leftovers, and I can set it up and get going for home. How does that sound?" With how he's reeling, I don't think he expected that. I didn't expect it either, with how I'd initially felt coming here. But still... I want to do something for him to make up for all this. Even if nothing I can do could replace what's being taken away.

"Alright then, but... I just had a thought as well. You could stay for the meal if you wanted."

"W-What?"

"I'm serious, Bonnie. I'll not ask you to do all that for me without letting you enjoy the fruits of your labor."

"Well, I mean... I need to get back to Clover's. We already ordered in once, I should be there to help with dinner."

"Then let me be clear; she's invited as well. Does that work for you?" Is he serious...? H-He can't be. I have no idea how Clover would react to coming here. He's never even met her, why is he so insistent on having her here?

"Penn, I-I just- I have no idea how she'd take this. Do you think she'd even come...?"

"All I ask is that you call and ask. If she insists against coming, well... I'll understand if you don't stay for dinner. Alright?"

"That's... C-Clover will..." I mean... Clover was pretty clear about all this, but... I still want to help, and I-I wouldn't mind having her here, if Penn wouldn't feel awkward about it. I could maybe just...

"...alright, Penn. I'll at least call her. That's all I can promise, okay?"

"And that's all I ask. Thank you, Bonnie." That's that, then. Dinner for three, if she accepts. Maybe this won't be so bad? Sure, Clover has her reservations about all this, but it's been a few days, at least. My cooking's a lovely incentive, too, so... yeah. This could work. One final dinner for us, alongside Clover and Penn's first, and possibly last, meeting. Whatever happens, I'll do all I can to make this wonderful. End it off on a high note, just like the day I thought it couldn't get worse.

There's always a light at the end, I've proven that to myself with Clover. It's just a matter of being willing to see it.

* *

Just what has gotten into me this time...? A mere two days ago, Clover would've been the absolute last person I wanted to see. Now? Now I've convinced Bonnie to invite her over for dinner, when I haven't even met her. And apparently she's agreed, considering Bonnie's putting the finishing touches on a mushroom and barley soup in the slow-cooker. At least she let me assist her for some of the prep; I'll need to relearn such things myself from here on if I plan on being frugal with my income.

Still, my only interaction with Clover was rather tense. I let my worries get the best of me when Bonnie called back then and it turned out to be someone else on the line. That night, a whole month ago, Clover kept her word, and all I did was frustrate her to no end accomplishing that. With all that's happened since then, who knows how she feels about me? Bonnie ran to her for comfort after what I'd done, after all. If she truly cares that much, then... I may be making a terrible mistake. Still, I need to-

"Something on your mind, Penn?" ...ah. Seems she's done, with the slow-cooker ready to stew everything together for the next hour. Maybe now would be a good time to seek her expertise on her newfound partner.

"Just wondering how I should handle meeting her. I know, I'm the one who suggested all this, but it's still a delicate situation, yes?"

"Hm... well, yeah. She wasn't exactly... happy, to learn why I ran to her house in the rain. Still, she's had a few days to let it settle, Penn. You'll be fine."

"You really think so...?"

"I do, with one caveat. If there's anything I know about Clover, it's that she appreciates a fair bit of candor. She's quite lively around Kylie, you know, the two tease each other relentlessly. ...though, Clover's definitely the one to come out on top there, she knows Kylie's soft spots too well, hehee... ah, anyways, as I was saying. Drop the runarounds, the casted lines, the careful tiptoeing. Even if it turns out she's still miffed at you, I think you two can get along for the evening just fine with a bit of open honesty, really."

"Well then, I'll... see what I can do. Thank you, Bonnie." Open honesty, hm? I can give that a try. It'll be hard fighting against the habits I've fallen into these past few years, but I need this to go well. If I'm going to meet Clover, I'd like to avoid ruining her and Bonnie's night in the process. I NEED to meet her, or I just... I don't know how I'll take all this.

"Well, until she arrives... may I ask what that game you were looking at was? The one with the sheep archer. At least, I assume it's a game."

"Ohhhh, oh yes, Clover showed it to me the day I went to visit her! The day after my hangover, remember? Anyways, yeah, it's this big tactics sort of thing, a bit automated which is the trick, and there's even a whole new set of units coming up and one of them's this cool lavender wolf with these sinister, eldritch rose vines, and I'm just-"

And just like that, the time can pass unfettered. Bonnie's gushing enthusiasm for whatever she's found herself growing attached to is frankly adorable. ...it's a shame I'd pushed it away with my cold distance, whether I'd meant to or not. The topic settled on, she recounts her time learning under Clover's watchful eye, the practice she put in while at home to show off when they next met, even a few times where the two would call online and play in the same matches together as opponents in the free-for-all. She wasn't exaggerating at all when she described how Clover made her feel that harrowing night; I see that clearly. If she carries even an ounce of this energy to our conversation over dinner, maybe Clover will be happy to join in the discussion with us, because one thing's for certain... that warm, radiant smile that carries such joy? It's utterly contagious.

...yet, that confidence may be so easily shaken by something as simple as the sound of a doorbell.

"Ah, that'd be her. Don't trouble yourself, Penn, I'll take care of it!" Rising from the couch, she begins her walk to the front door with a spring in her step, whether from her energized ramblings or the prospect of Clover's arrival. All that's left is a swift turn of the knob, and...

"Hehee, welcome, Clover! Buses were okay?"

"Oh, don't you worry, big gal, I've been up here plenty of times for the bakery. ...entirely your fault, by the way." Even looking down into the hallway from all the way over on the couch, it's no secret Bonnie's playfully fidgeting and blushing. Not even ten seconds in, and already I can tell she's head over heels for the casually-dressed feline. Though, with how her ears are folded, is she more focused on her frustrations with me? ...no, wait, they're still folded down even as she's continuing her little chat with Bonnie, both full of energy. Seems like they're trying to point upward, but all they can do is adjust their position on her head, letting the fully-pointed excited look be substituted with her ears coming closer together, almost rising. Curious. I think I've heard of this, a Scottish Fold, perhaps...? Well, a name is a name, it's not like she's throwing around an apropos accent or anything.

Ah, seems their talk has finished up, with Bonnie guiding Clover by the hand back toward the living room. And of course, even if it was expected I'd be here, I can see Clover's energy visibly drain a bit when she notices me waiting for them on the couch. Well, nothing about this was going to be perfect, anyway. I'll just have to make sure this evening's a pleasant one.

"Clover, yes? I don't believe I've had the pleasure, save for over the phone."

"Likewise... likewise. So you're Penn? I came like I promised. Hard to say no to Bonnie's cooking, I'd like to think you knew that." She's... staring right through me after that one. Well, at least I can be sure she's more than a little aware of what things piled up over time before everything boiled over.

"Well, yes, that's for certain. Even if I'm still remembering how to express it, I'd never deny that. I'm glad you were willing to be here. Bonnie was kind enough to offer, so I believed you ought to enjoy it as well."

"Oh, I intend to, I can smell it already. No less entrancing than any of your other forays into the kitchen, eh, Bonnie?"

"C-Clover, really! It was the simplest thing I could throw together, no need to get all, well... flattery, hehee..."

"This coming from the girl who practically raised me from the dead with the aroma of pancakes? Those are easily simpler than a soup, big gal, and you knocked them out of the park. So yes, I WILL get all 'flattery,' you silly little angel~"

The pair are firmly on the couch now, and though I manage to join in the conversation on occasion, I can tell it's moreso their time together. Perhaps that's the way it should be. It certainly satisfies the burning curiosity that led me to invite Clover here in the first place, so as it stands? They can talk all night, so long as that makes the evening special for them. They're so enamored, in fact, that a short while later I was concerned for a moment that they wouldn't notice the timer going off for the soup, even with its loud ringing.

"O-oh, oh dear, I'll juuuuust be a moment, this'll be bad if that goes a moment longer, ohhhhhh...!" And like that, I'm left alone with Clover while Bonnie hustles over to the kitchen. The both of us can still see her, but she's pretty cleanly exited range of the conversation... and her presence is no longer here to keep Clover's focus off of me, those eyes less harsh than before but still markedly displeased.

"...okay, look, why'd you call me here, huh?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"I agreed to this for Bonnie, but she let it slip over the phone that this was your idea. I'm not accusing you of anything, you've been way too passive for that, but... the hell's up with you? I'm the last person you should want to see, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel at least a bit of that sentiment right back at ya." Well... she's got me there. Can't say it's not a little awkward having her here, knowing what she and Bonnie are committed to now, but still... I need this. And perhaps these two do too, if I'm lucky.

"I'd have to delude myself to think I have a chance with her anymore, Clover. Still, it just doesn't feel right to see her wander off into the unknown and hope for the best. I'd like this to end well, rather than bitterly, for all three of us. Who knows if I'll succeed, knowing me and my damnable habits with how I approach conversation nowadays, but I want to try. Not because I have to, not because it's an obligation. But because it's what I WANT to do, to feel better about all of this. That may sound selfish, but I do hope tonight ultimately lessens the blow for the both of you as well, if that makes sense?"

"...okay, well, honestly that just seems kinda weird to me, but I'm willing to play along for the night if you're really gonna be that chill about it. I can appreciate you being up-front on this, at least."

"Ah yes, well, er... Bonnie did mention you appreciate a healthy dose of candor. Something I'd been lacking in lately. Not to mention, it turns out it's surprisingly refreshing to let it all out like that." I suppose I must have done something right, because she's sort of chuckling to herself and offered me a pat on the shoulder. Quite the amicable sort if you're meshing well with her preferences, it seems.

"Hah, well, she's right about that. Right there on the list of what got me about her, to be honest with you. The girl may know how to clam up if she's uncomfortable, but she can't help but say what she's thinking otherwise, and it's freaking adorable every time."

"Let me guess, her enthusiasm's right up there on that list of quirks you so enjoy? Because... that got me, as well. I hope you make her feel free to express it, unlike what I'd done for a while. It'd be a shame to let it hide in a lonely little corner of her mind."

"Damn right! You'll see, she'll be over the moon 24/7, I'll make sure of it! Er, I guess you might not see, but still! Point's made." Sharing a laugh at that one, we wrap up our idle conversation just in time to hear Bonnie call us over. Seems everything's set up for us. I do wonder if she heard part of that talk, considering how giddy she looks glancing over at us; her tail's going a mile a minute, and that smile has grown more genuine than I've seen in a long time. There's no better invitation for either of us, so of course we waste no time in heading over to her, taking our seats and digging in.

It tastes as good as it smelled cooking, if not better. That smooth, herb-infused vegetable broth splashes against every taste bud it can find, and the juices the barley and mushrooms absorbed follow suit with every chew. It all lends itself to a savory, comforting creation, one that I'll be more than happy to sample from the fridge for a few meals in the coming weeks. I can't thank her enough. ...thank her, hm. I suppose I should work on that, but... how to go about it? A certain feline might have me covered on figuring that out, though.

"God, Bonnie, it's, I- hell, I've only tasted your more savory stuff as leftovers up until now, and that was beyond anything I could've expected. This, though... I guess it's true what they say about getting stuff fresh from the tap. ...or pot, I guess, but whatever! Point is, now I kinda wish I'd gotten the chance to try that casserole fresh, if this is what a hot and ready dinner works out as for you!" Perhaps unexpectedly, Bonnie's response is less words and more bashful giggles. Absolutely precious. I'll never top that, and I don't have to, but... she deserves to get something from me, if this is likely the last time I'll get to sample her cooking.

"Heh, you're right on the money, Clover. I'm a poor sap in regards to trying to make it clear, but... it's an absolute delight to experience this. And I'm grateful for the chance to taste it again, Bonnie. Thank you."

"O-Oh, Penn..." Hm? Is that... amazement? Befuddlement? Some of column A, some of column B? Whatever the case, column C is wedging itself in there with its own contribution: bashful, genuine gratitude.

"Thank you... thank you so much, both of you. This is all just so, so wonderful, tonight. I couldn't have imagined it turning out like this when I first came here, Penn, so... thank you. For asking, to see if this was possible. It's everything I didn't know I wanted from the evening and more." That did it. Her radiant energy has subdued itself to a more refined, tranquil glow of satisfaction. She looks... at peace. And I couldn't ask for more from her. Satisfied, I decide to indulge in one last thing.

"I'm glad to hear it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll just be a moment. Need to take care of personal business upstairs."

"Oh? Something you forgot from our rounds earlier?"

"Unless you count answering the calls of my own plumbing, then no, I don't think so." Hah, perfectly timed! Even got a laugh out of Clover for that one, all while Bonnie's shooting the most playful sort of daggers with her semi-annoyed glare. Guess the indirect approach does have its merits, eh?

That business taken care of, I pause before heading back down the stairs. There's one more thing I hadn't thought of, but... unless Bonnie's distracted, I'm unlikely to get it. I can still try, though, and so I shall. Clearing my mind of all distractions, I focus on the wood stairs in front of me, doing my best to avoid letting my claws tap against them too loudly. Every step, focusing on letting the pads fall first, cushioning the impact... all for the sole goal of pressing my back up against the wall just before the archway to the kitchen and dining room, undetected.

"...hm? Was that...?"

"Huh? What's up, Bone?"

"Ah, no, nothing. My imagination, I guess." Huh. Well, I'm glad I was able to do this well enough, but 'Bone'? I believe I've only heard that one from Kylie. She calls her 'Bonnie' too, though, so maybe she's less married to the nickname than Kylie is, assuming she picked it up from her. That's not what I'm here for, anyway.

"So, ah... Clover. To be honest, I was originally going to apologize for putting you through all this, but... well, I saw that little exchange on the couch. I could hardly believe my eyes, you know. I half-expected you to make good on your musings about wringing his neck when you first walked through the door, so that was an amazing comfort, knowing you were actually enjoying yourself."

"What can I say? He took your advice, angel."

"O-Oh, you- you heard about that? Mmph..."

"Hey, hey, you were right, weren't you? And frankly, the guy needed it. I think I was right about him the first time I spoke with him... his heart's in the right place, but boy did he have work to do. Still does, a bit, but he's getting there. He made this night happen for you, didn't he? He'll be just fine, Bonnie. Heck, this might even make all the paperwork and negotiation you two'll wind up doing way less awkward. An amicable split."

"I suppose. And, well, I've gotten you out of all of this. I wonder if thanking him for that would be a bit much, hehee!"

"Oh, it would be, but you're not wrong. And hey, once we're home, with how well this went... I get the feeling you're the type who'd love to cap off a lovely date a certain way, now aren't you~?"

"C-Clover, really?! Right here? I-I just- ...ah." I still can't see, but... it's hard not to make out the sound of a gentle meeting of lips. Or three. Frisky kitty, that one, and Bonnie always did love that in a partner. ...it's a relief, honestly. Hearing their unfiltered talk together, without worrying about how I'd take it. Knowing I can trust Clover to love and guard her with everything she has. Now that... that's the sort of closure I needed from tonight. I should return though, so back up the stairs we go. Those careful steps from before while they're busying themselves with each other, then the hard, clacking steps Bonnie's more than familiar with. Like I was never here.

"Hope I didn't keep you two waiting too long, did I?"

"Oh, n-not at all, Penn! Not at all." Even if I couldn't witness it myself, I can appreciate the little signs still present: a light blush left on both their cheeks, with Bonnie's hair and fur just a bit tussled on one side. These two'll go far, I think. I couldn't be happier for them, at least for tonight.

Conversation proceeds in that sort of jovial yet uneventful way, letting the evening pass us by as we all finish up our portions. Dishes taken care of, we keep it up for a while longer, but there's no denying what needs to happen now; it's getting late, and nobody in their right mind would be hauling their belongings around in the dead of night. The three of us seem to understand that, and hesitantly, I start getting Bonnie her luggage from upstairs while Clover figures out how exactly she can help Bonnie with storing the leftovers for me. A welcome parting gift, to be sure.

Everything in order, the three of us gather together in the entryway, the knowledge of this being the end of our last evening in this house together hanging over us. Maybe less so over Clover, but the way she's glancing between us, eyes full of barely-hidden concern, shows she at least understands the gravity of this for Bonnie. Yet another comfort I can take in knowing she'll be watching over her. Though, she's keeping her distance a bit, so she knows what's coming next.

"Well... thank you for staying, Bonnie. Tonight was wonderful."

"It's no trouble, Penn, really. I wanted to do this, you know, and Clover was a wonderful addition to the idea, in the end."

"She really was. And if tonight's- er, if this is the last time we'll spend this sort of evening together, I think I can be satisfied with it. Knowing you're happy."

"Oh, Penn, it doesn't have to be, you know? Maybe nowhere near as often, but we can do this again. I don't see why not. You even won Clover over, if you couldn't tell! It'll be like our nights with Kylie, once in a while, if you want!"

"I- you'd do that? Well then... who am I to turn down that kind of offer?"

"Oh, I don't actually know when that'll be possible, the both of us are still getting used to the new living situation, after all. But still! Don't be a stranger, Penn. Even in the wake of what we have to do next. ...hehee, can hardly believe I'm saying that, but hey! If it doesn't need to be weird, we just won't let it, got it?" Remarkable... her spark of life may be back for good, seeing all that. And the chance to be part of her life, even after all this? I could never say no to that. Whenever that may be, I'll await it with bated breath.

"That we won't, Bonnie. But this evening does need to end before you're stumbling in the dark, so..." I take a step forward; I've no idea how she'll react to this, but I let my arms extend outward a bit, offering her one last embrace. Seeing it, she jumps a little, but soon that surprised look melts to a warm acceptance. Maybe a bit wistful, as well. Taking her own step forward, I feel her arms come to rest tightly around my back, and I reciprocate. This is it. What we had for two years comes to an end right here. Yet, thanks to everything we've shared this evening, I don't feel as torn as I'd feared. Bonnie will be well taken care of, happy, and able to live her life to the fullest again. ...I still have one reservation in all this, one fear for her desires going unfulfilled, but it's a pointless one to bring up; she's no doubt aware of it, so I can only hope it doesn't ache and fester. I'll just have to keep reminding that nagging little piece of me of all the joy she'll have, regardless.

"Penn, I... I just want you to know. All this time? I don't regret it. It wasn't a waste, okay? Even when I was hurting... I just... I-I..."

"Shh, shhhh... it's alright. Everything's turning out for the best. Keep your chin up, dear... for all of us." With that, I look to Clover and nod in silence, careful to avoid disturbing Bonnie in her emotional state. She looks a bit embarrassed, reaching a hand to the back of her head to scratch in what I assume is her way of relieving the awkward tension, but she nods back all the same. That's all I needed to see, Clover.

When this embrace ends, so too will our evening. Our time together as husband and wife. And somehow, we've managed to cap off the experience beautifully. So with that all said, knowing that you, Clover, will be making her the happiest, bubbliest dog alive from now on, where I forgot how to, I have one thing to say, even if I can't bring myself to do so aloud and interrupt this moment...

Thank you.