As time passed, Marinate stood up and brushed the grass from the hem of her dress.
Seeing her rise, Vivian lifted his gaze and asked, "Are you leaving?"
Marinate smiled.
She wanted to stay, but she knew staying longer would only make it harder to hold back her feelings.
"Yes," she said softly. "I have a few things to take care of. What about you? Are you going to stay here?"
Vivian nodded. "Yes. I'll stay here for a while."
Marinate gave a small wave. "Goodbye."
Then she turned and walked away.
Vivian watched her back as she moved farther and farther away.
After a short while, she disappeared from his sight.
Only then did he lower his eyes and turn back to the lake.
The water was calm, just like before.
He sat there in silence, listening to the wind and the soft sound of the waves.
His mind slowly cleared, and his thoughts drifted back to training, to the wall he still could not cross.
Time passed quietly.
Vivian did not move.
