“I have to go,” Abigail said, laughing.  She started toward the already-whistling train, but Cecil was faster, catching her hand.  

“I’ll see you again soon?” Cecil asked, his smile faltering.  Abbie’s heart softened.  Cecil may have worn a carefree face well, but Abbie knew how much she worried.  In truth, it was a little infectious.  She’d been losing more and more sleep as of late, her mind so full of thoughts of boarding school, of the future, of Cecil.  

“I’ll be back in three weeks time to visit.  I promise.”  She dropped a kiss to Cecil’s palm, as if sealing the message.  “Now I really have to go.”  But Cecil, apparently, wasn’t satisfied.  

“You’ll be okay?”  He took a hesitant step toward Abbie, who reached out and touched his cheek reassuringly.  

“Don’t worry, my love,” Abbie whispered, flushing scarlet as she spoke.  She’d never considered himself outgoing, so to speak, but Cecil always made her act downright shy. Ever since they were children, Abbie couldn’t help but blush at the sight of Cecil’s floppy red hair, his pretty green eyes, the sound of his gentle laugh. God, she would miss him in the city. The thought of being miles away from him at a strange new school was enough to make her sick. Still, she had to admit the new opportunity excited her, and she couldn’t wait to explore everything the city had to offer.

She fixed her grip on her suitcase, glancing up at Cecil, who tilted his head for a moment in that thoughtful way of his, before brushing his lips against Abbie’s cheek, swift as the wind. Abbie’s breath caught in her throat. No matter how many times he kissed her, it always felt like the first.

“I’ll miss you,” he whispered. Abbie‘s lips turned up at the corners in a bittersweet smile.

“I’ll write,” she promised. Cecil nodded, his hand resting faithfully against his heart. The two shared a last, lingering glance before Abbie turned away toward the train, and the next chapter in her life finally began.