Chapter 36: Departure.

The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the quiet tension of farewell as the people of Green Arbor gathered at the south gate. The usual chatter of the town had quieted, replaced by a solemn anticipation. Ava and Lucas were packing the jeep, preparing for the trip ahead, while the townspeople gathered in small clusters to see them off.

Little Ava clung tightly to her namesake’s leg, her small face twisted with worry. "Auntie Ava, you just came back. Why are you leaving again?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

Ava knelt down, brushing a strand of hair away from the little girl’s face. "I know, sweetheart. But I need to help Uncle Lucas with something important," she explained softly, her heart aching at the sight of the child's distress. "I’ll be back before you know it."

Little Ava hesitated, then reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden figure, something her Uncle Talon had made for her. "Take this with you," she said, her voice barely holding back tears. "It’s my favorite. So you don’t forget me."

Ava smiled, touched by the gesture. She took the figure and gave Little Ava a tight hug. "I could never forget you," she whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Then, gently handing her back to Jess, Ava met her friend’s eyes, reading the concern that mirrored her own.

Jess enveloped her in a warm embrace, holding on just a little longer than usual. "You’ll be okay," Jess said quietly, though her voice was laced with concern. "Just... be careful."

"I will," Ava promised, forcing a smile. "Don’t worry, I’ll come back in one piece."

Miko gave her a firm handshake, then pulled her into a quick hug. "Take care of each other out there," he said, his voice steady. But as he stepped back, his eyes conveyed a deeper worry.

Talon approached last, his familiar smirk hiding the deeper emotions swirling underneath. "Remember, Blondie—don’t try to drive the jeep. You’ll just get us both killed," he teased, nudging her playfully.

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Ava rolled her eyes, though the tension lifted for a moment. "I’m still a better driver than you," she shot back, punching his arm lightly.

Talon chuckled before turning to Lucas. He shook Lucas’s hand and pulled him into a quick hug. "Look after her, alright?" he said, though it was more an order than a request.

Lucas grinned. "Always," he replied, with a warmth that showed how much he respected both Ava and Talon.

Ava’s expression softened as she turned to Eli. She stepped closer to him, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. She kissed him deeply, their foreheads pressed together in a quiet exchange of words left unsaid. "See you soon," she whispered, a promise lingering in the air as she stepped back.

Eli held her gaze, worry etched in the lines of his face. "Come back to me," he said softly.

Ava smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Always," she replied, turning to climb into the jeep.

As the engine roared to life and the jeep began to roll out, Jess murmured to Miko, "I hope she finds what she’s looking for."

Talon stood beside them, watching the jeep disappear into the distance. "This might be the one time I’m not sure she’ll come back the same," he said, his voice unusually serious.

Eli, still standing nearby, looked puzzled. "What do you mean?" he asked, glancing at Talon with concern.

Talon sighed, his hands resting on his hips as he watched the horizon. "She’s not just going to help Lucas. She’s facing something she’s been running from for years. It’s... different this time."

Eli frowned. "Running from what?"

"Her past," Miko interjected, his expression serious. "You ever heard of Ethan?"

Eli shook his head, confused. "She’s never talked to me about him."

Jess and Miko exchanged glances before Jess spoke up. "Ethan was a big part of her life. When he died, Ava lost a piece of herself. She’s been carrying that weight for a long time."

Miko nodded, his voice filled with a mix of respect and sadness. "Oh, I remember the day she lost him. We found her trying to fight an entire raider army on her own. Took all of us to hold her back." He shook his head, the memory vivid in his mind. "That was the first time I saw her completely lose control."

Eli stared at the ground, the weight of their words sinking in. "She never talks about any of this."

"That’s Ava," Talon said quietly. "She doesn’t share the hard stuff. She just... carries it." He paused, then added, "Just be there for her when she comes back. She’s going to need you, even if she doesn’t say it."

Eli nodded, his concern deepening. "I’ll be here," he promised.

As they walked back toward the heart of Green Arbor, each of them carried the weight of Ava’s departure in their own way. The bond between them all felt stronger, yet more fragile than ever, as they prepared to face whatever challenges her journey might bring.