𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇
⸻ Cordelia Winterbourne's ordinary life with her mother was shattered by the onset of war, prompting Cordelia's mother to make a gut-wrenching decision by sending her daughter away for a while to keep her safe.
However, fate had a di...
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"Cora, time to go!" Mrs. Macready's voice reverberated through the mansion.
"Coming!" I shouted, quickly tucking my hair beneath my hat and grabbing my luggage before hurrying downstairs.
Today marked the day to return home, back to my mother's embrace. It had been a week since we returned from Narnia. Lucy, especially, had been trying relentlessly to revisit that enchanted world through the wardrobe, but unfortunately, it seemed the magical wardrobe had lost its magic.
As I descended the stairs, I noticed the four Pevensies gathered by the door, their countenances heavy with sorrow and tension.
Their departure is still scheduled for next week.
Silently, we all stepped outside the mansion to find Mrs. Macready already mounted on her horse, a cart hitched behind.
Without uttering a word, Peter approached and helped me place my luggage onto the cart, reminiscent of our first encounter.
Turning back to glance at the Pevensies, with whom I had developed a deep bond, I felt a sudden embrace from Peter. His tight hug conveyed emotions he struggled to contain, evident from the stifled sniffles as he fought back tears.
I fought back my tears, pulling away from the blonde Pevensie. "Thank you, Pete, for everything. You've become the brother I've never had, even if I didn't ask it of you. You still stepped up as my brother."
Peter, visibly emotional, held my gaze for a moment before responding, his voice slightly strained. "You've been part of our family, Cora. We'll miss you more than words can say." He paused, swallowing hard. "Take care of yourself, alright?"
I nodded at Peter's words, and he stepped back, making way for Susan, who enveloped me in a warm embrace. "Take care of yourself out there," she whispered before letting go.
Suddenly, I found myself tackled by the youngest Pevensie, her tears dampening her freckled cheeks. "I'll miss you so much," she sniffled, pulling away. "Please take care."
Returning her smile, I nodded. "Will do."
As Lucy stepped back, the brunette Pevensie caught my gaze, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.
He gazed at me for a moment, then advanced, enveloping me in a hug that left me slightly off balance.
The boy remained silent, fearing that uttering a single word might lead to an emotional breakdown in the presence of his siblings, a scenario he sought to avoid.
As we parted from our embrace, our eyes locked, glossy with unspoken sentiments.
"Come on, Cora, you're about to miss the train," Mrs. Macready interjected.
Glancing back at the Pevensies one final time, I boarded the cart. No one uttered a word; they simply observed as I departed from their side. My heart sank slightly, a flicker of disappointment creeping in as the silent brunette Pevensie didn't utter a single word.
The cart commenced its movement as Mrs. Macready urged the horse forward. As it advanced, the figures of the Pevensies grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared from my sight.
Sitting in my seat, I sighed, slipping my hands into the pockets of my coat. To my surprise, I felt something unusual. Furrowing my brows, I retrieved a piece of paper from my pocket.
A letter?
Without a second thought, I unfolded it.
Cora, I hope this note reaches you on your journey away. This explains why I needed paper and a quill from you last night but that's beside the point now.
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the time we shared in Narnia. It was a realm where we all grew in ways that surpassed mere years, where our bonds of friendship deepened into something cherished and everlasting.
Learning of your departure, truth be told, hit us hard. We, my siblings and I felt the weight of uncertainty settling upon us. We've shared a connection that goes deeper than mere camaraderie, and the uncertainty of when or if we'll cross paths again weighs heavily on my mind. Time has its way of guiding us, often taking us to distant places and separate lives.
Your presence was a significant part of our Narnian tale. Your strength, and your kindness, they were anchors in the storms we faced. To think that this chapter might end without a clear next page is disconcerting.
But in this moment of parting, I want to extend my gratitude, my appreciation for the person you've been to us. Your departure leaves an emptiness, a void that we hope time will eventually fill, perhaps with new adventures or unexpected reunions.
Wherever your path leads, Cora, I hope it's paved with happiness, adventure, and friendships as warm as the ones we shared in Narnia. May the memory of our time together remain a beacon of light, guiding us through the uncertainties of life.
Apologies for putting this in writing; I'm afraid if I say these words aloud, I'll have a mental breakdown in front of my siblings, and Peter, especially, won't let me hear the end of it.
My hands are growing numb now, so I must bid you farewell. I wish you a safe journey back to your home, to your mother's embrace.
