Chapter 10

The next morning, Sara put on her workout clothes and sneakers, borrowed a machete from Cora, and headed up the mountain. She arrived at Neil's grave and was about to start clearing the area when a voice called out to her, "Sara, up early to visit your grandpa, huh? Dad said last night that you were back, and you brought so much for everyone. That was really thoughtful." Sara looked up to see Daniel Lewis, a fisherman who lived with the elderly Nadine Wittrock. He was carrying a large basket of homegrown vegetables on his back. She gave him a warm smile. "Daniel, you're out even earlier than me. Already done harvesting?" "These greens grow like crazy. We can't keep up. Rebecca said we should take some to the market." Daniel's gaze flicked to the machete in Sara's hand. "Sit down for a bit. I'll take care of it." "I'm good, Daniel. Go on with your day. I'll take my time." "This blade's no joke. Let me handle it. Go on, take a seat." Before Sara could protest, Daniel took the machete from her, bent over, and began hacking at the weeds by the grave. He kept the conversation going as he worked. "Dad said Yale's coming back today. You two haven't run into each other in, what, years? You always seem to miss each other whenever you're back. "You're not leaving yet, are you? Stick around—you might finally catch him." Daniel's voice lit up with excitement. Yale Goodman was the first from the village to head off to college—and to not just any place, but Capira College. "Yale's coming back? Wow, it's been ages. The last time I saw him was just before he left for college. Then, Grandpa got sick, and we had to move away for treatment," Sara replied. "Yeah, hard to believe it's been three years since your grandpa passed. And now, look at you—married and everything." "Yale's doing pretty well, right?" "Yeah, he's doing great. After graduation, he started his own company, and it's going strong. I heard he's back to meet with Mr. Hammond about developing tourism in the village." "That's awesome. Once everyone around here starts making money, life will definitely improve. Yale's as impressive as ever." "Yeah. Back then, you two were the top of our village. If it weren't for your grandpa getting sick and you missing the SATs, you probably would've gotten into Capira College, just like Yale. You both brought so much good to everyone. We all thought you'd end up together." "How could that be? Yale and you are more like brothers to me. You took care of me and Grandpa and were always so kind to me. Now that I'm married, I hope Yale finds his own happiness too." Sara had always thought of Yale as an older brother. He'd always saved the best treats from his pocket for her, and in her heart, he felt as much like family as Neil. Daniel knew Sara was married now, and whatever chance there'd been with Yale was long gone, so he said nothing more. With most of the weeds cleared, he handed the machete to Sara. "All set, Sara. Here's the machete." "Thanks, Daniel. Go on ahead. I'll rinse this off and bring it back to Grandaunt Cora later." "Alright, I'm heading out. Take care, and do drop by for a meal sometime." "Yeah, sounds good." After Daniel left, Sara walked toward the creek as she clutched her machete. She grabbed a handful of dry grass and wiped the blade clean, then she shook the water from her hands. As she stood up and turned around, she saw the man who she'd been speaking about with Daniel earlier. He was walking toward her in a black trench coat, tall and imposing. Yale had changed dramatically over the years. He had grown into a tall, strikingly handsome man. Sara greeted him with a bright smile as he neared, "Yale, you're back? Daniel just said you'd be returning today. I didn't expect to run into you so soon." Seeing him again filled Sara with excitement. "I arrived this morning. Just taking a walk," Yale replied. In truth, he had heard that Sara was back as soon as he arrived in the village. After dropping off his bags at home, he went straight to her place to find her. When she wasn't there, he turned back. On the way back, he ran into Daniel, who told him Sara had gone down to the creek. So, Yale headed there immediately. "Daniel said you started your own business and are planning to turn the village into a tourist spot. Yale, you're just as impressive as ever." Sara meant every word. She was happy for Yale and for everyone else in the village too. "It's just a small company. I happened to know someone interested in investing in tourism at Capira, so I came back to discuss it with Mr. Hammond." "Big or small, Yale, it's still amazing. Starting a business must be challenging." Sara then thought of Spencer. Sometimes she'd wake up in the middle of the night to find him still working in his study. "Yeah, the beginning is always tough. I heard you got married and that your husband is quite successful." Yale finally brought it up, wanting to hear it directly from Sara. "Yes, we married three years ago after Grandpa passed away. My husband's an entrepreneur too, just like you." "Does he treat you well, Sara?" Yale asked. "Spencer's been wonderful to me, Yale. I'm really happy now. I hope you find someone soon too—someone who brings you that same kind of happiness." Sara paused, her eyes meeting Yale's with quiet sincerity. "Yeah. You've grown up, Sara. You've started your own family, and seeing you happy puts my mind at ease. Don't worry about me. I'll find my happiness too. I heard you didn't have a wedding. I'll make sure to give you a proper gift next time," Yale said, forcing a lighthearted smile. He looked into Sara's clear eyes and realized that the girl who used to trail after him and call out his name was truly gone. This meeting had finally settled it in his heart—she would only ever be a sister to him now. But nothing else mattered, as long as she was happy. Upon hearing Yale's words, Sara felt a wave of quiet relief. Her heart had belonged to Spencer from the moment they met, and no matter what the future held, Yale would always be like a brother to her. They had grown up together, and she could only hope he'd soon find the right person to share his life with and would give him the happiness he deserved. They walked as they talked, and before they knew it, they were at Sara's doorstep. "We're here, Yale. Want to come in for lunch?" Sara asked. "No, I've got a meeting with Mr. Hammond soon." Sara didn't push it since Yale had things to take care of. She'd be staying in the village for a few more days anyhow, so there'd be time to ask him again tomorrow. "Alright, Yale. How about coming over for a meal tomorrow?" she said. "Sure, I'll come by. Go on in." Sara didn't head into her house until Yale agreed to coming back the next day, a satisfied smile on her face. Meanwhile, Yale waited until Sara was safely inside before heading toward Ernest's place. His smile faded as soon as he turned away. Letting go of Sara wasn't easy. Would he have been the one to marry her if he'd graduated earlier and had the money for Neil's treatment when he fell ill? But dwelling on past possibilities was pointless. Sara had made her choice, and her happiness was all that mattered—his own didn't.