The next morning, the house felt unusually calm. Elara was in the kitchen, packing a small bag with Adrian's necessities when she heard voices from the living room.
"Are you sure about this?" Mr. Vale's deep, steady voice carried a mix of surprise and hope.
"Yes," Adrian said. His tone was calm but certain. "I've made up my mind. I'll go to the United States for the surgery."
Mrs. Vale let out a soft gasp. "Oh, Adrian, that's wonderful news! You've made the right choice. You'll finally be able to see again."
Rowen clapped him on the shoulder. "About time, my friend. I was starting to think you'd never agree."
Adrian smiled faintly. "Maybe I just needed to hear it from the right person."
Elara froze at the kitchen counter, her hands stilling. She knew he meant her, though he hadn't said her name. A small, bittersweet warmth filled her chest.
Mrs. Vale was already fussing with plans. "We'll contact the hospital and arrange your tickets. Luna said she'll handle everything there, so you won't have to worry."
"That's fine," Adrian said. "I'll go along with whatever schedule works best."
Rowen chuckled. "Look at you. Calm as ever, even when you're about to change your life."
"I've had a good team keeping me steady," Adrian replied, his voice quiet but sincere.
Elara stepped into the living room then, holding the small travel bag. "I've packed some things for the trip," she said softly. "Just what you'll need for the first few days."
Mrs. Vale turned to her, smiling warmly. "You really are dependable, Elara. Thank you for taking such good care of him."
"It's my job," Elara replied with a polite smile, though her chest felt tight.
Adrian turned his head toward her voice. "Thank you," he said, his tone low but full of meaning.
"You're welcome," she said, keeping her voice steady. "When you come back, I'll make your favorite breakfast."
He smiled slightly. "Then I'll look forward to that."
Mrs. Vale reached for Elara's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You've done so much for him. I can't thank you enough."
Elara smiled faintly. "Just make sure he eats properly while he's away."
Rowen laughed. "I'll call every day to make sure of that."
As the conversation turned to travel details and arrangements, Elara stepped aside, letting them talk. She watched quietly, memorizing the calm lines of Adrian's face, the sound of his steady voice, the way his parents' eyes shone with hope.
And though her heart ached at the thought of him leaving, she held onto one thing, her promise to wait for him to return.
*****
The day of departure arrived sooner than Elara expected.
The car ride to the airport was quiet, the kind of silence that held too many thoughts. Adrian sat in the backseat between his parents, Mrs. Vale's hand resting protectively over his while Mr. Vale scrolled through the flight itinerary on his phone. Elara sat in the front beside Rowen, staring out the window as the city passed by.
When they arrived, Rowen and Mr. Vale took care of the luggage while Elara guided Adrian carefully from the car.
"Watch your step," she murmured.
"I know," he said softly, a faint smile touching his lips. "I'm counting on you to get me there in one piece."
Her chest tightened. "Always."
The airport was busy, filled with hurried footsteps and overlapping voices. Still, for Elara, everything seemed muted, as if her world had narrowed down to the quiet sound of his footsteps beside hers.
Inside, Mrs. Vale busied herself with check-in while Rowen helped carry the bags. Elara stayed near Adrian, her hand lightly brushing his arm to guide him.
"Are you nervous?" she asked.
"Not nervous," he said, thoughtful. "Maybe just aware that everything could change."
"It'll be fine," she said softly. "You'll have your parents and Luna there, and Rowen and I will be here when you come back. You can focus on getting better."
He nodded, his expression unreadable. "That's what you said before. And because you said it, I believe it."
Before Elara could respond, a familiar voice called out from across the terminal.
"Adrian!"
Elara turned. Luna was hurrying toward them, her long hair swaying, suitcase rolling behind her. She was dressed elegantly, but her face was drawn with emotion.
Mrs. Vale looked relieved. "Luna, dear, you made it in time."
"I said I would," Luna replied, her eyes fixed on Adrian. "I wanted to make sure everything went smoothly."
Adrian turned his head slightly toward her voice. "You didn't have to come so early."
"I wanted to," she said softly. "You'll need someone there who knows you. I promised I would see this through."
Elara's gaze dropped to the floor. She forced herself to smile politely when Luna glanced her way. ""Thank you for looking after him," Luna said.
"It is my job," Elara said quietly.
Luna's smile was polite, though her tone held something sharper beneath it. "Still, I appreciate it."
Mr. Vale checked his watch. "We should go through security soon."
"Yes," Mrs. Vale said, linking her arm through Adrian's. "Come, dear."
Adrian nodded. Then he turned slightly toward Elara's voice. "Thank you. For everything."
Her throat tightened. "Just come back safely," she whispered. "That's all I want."
"I will," he said. His hand brushed hers briefly, a fleeting touch that lingered far longer in her heart. "When I come back, I'll find you."
Mrs. Vale smiled softly at the exchange. "Elara, thank you for all you've done. We'll see you when we return."
Elara bowed her head slightly. "Take care of him."
As they walked toward the gate, Luna moved beside Adrian, speaking quietly to him. Her words were gentle, but Elara couldn't bring herself to listen. She simply stood there, hands clasped in front of her, forcing her expression to remain calm.
Rowen came up beside her, his voice low. "You okay?"
Elara nodded, though her voice was faint. "He'll be fine. He's in good hands."
Rowen studied her for a moment, then smiled gently. "He'll come back, you know. Adrian always keeps his word."
Elara looked toward the gate one last time. Adrian's figure was already fading into the moving crowd, surrounded by his parents and Luna's guiding hand.
"I know," she said softly. "That's why I'll be here when he returns."