What if? 4 Years with You? (Eremika)

7. Sayonara

In Marley, at the Azumabito flat, Sasha, Hange, and Kiyomi anxiously awaited the men who had gone in search of Eren and Mikasa. They sat on the sofa, except for the commander, who stared out the window at the gray and wet day; it wouldn't stop raining. The tension was palpable, and she had waited for hours on end for news. She wanted to see Levi return with Eren and Mikasa. At the end of the afternoon, they returned, leaving a shred of hope in Hange when she realized that there were no signs of Mikasa or Eren.

"They... have arrived." Hange said in a desolate tone.

Sasha stood up to look out the window, biting her lower lip, lost in thought. Hange finally sat down, defeated, drumming her fingers nervously on the arm of the chair, her eyes fixed on an undefined point on the floor. Kiyomi, despite her calm posture, could not hide the restlessness that shone in her eyes.

Suddenly, Kiyomi broke the silence that seemed eternal:

"Were you anticipating this outcome?" She asked, her voice soft, but laden with concern. It was a question she had kept to herself for some time, waiting for the right moment to be uttered.

"To be honest, I don't know what we expected." Hange replied with a heavy sigh. "But I never thought things would get to this point."

Kiyomi looked at the floor, her face reflecting the concern she had felt for days."She would hold such significance for Hizuru... but what distinguishes Yeager?"

Hange gave a slight smile, trying to ease the tension. "Well, he's a determined, hard-working boy, and the son of someone special. It was thanks to him that we got here. And the brother of Zeke Yeager..."

The flat door opened abruptly, interrupting the conversation. Onyankopon entered, accompanied by everyone, his face serious. "We have... two letters. When we arrived, we crossed paths with the postman."

Hange approached quickly, her eyes shining with a mixture of hope and anxiety. "Ah! Good! I hope it's good news and they just took an extra holiday! Did you know that Eren has beautiful handwriting? Yes, yes! Well! I'm going to open the letters and—"

"Hange!" Levi interrupted, his voice firm. "They... are not coming back..."

Hange looked at Levi, disbelief etched on her face. "We won't know if we don't read the letter!"

Jean stepped forward, trying to remain calm. "Well... if they sent us a letter, it means they won't tell us to our face that they won't be coming back, don't you think, Hange-san?"

Everyone gathered in the living room, the air thick with tension. Hange, with slightly trembling hands, began to open the letter. She took a deep breath and began to read aloud, her words echoing in the silence that settled in the room.

"We hope this letter finds you well and healthy. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for all the support, loyalty, and friendship you have given me over the years. I know that my decision may seem abrupt and even selfish to some, but I want you to understand that it was a difficult and considered choice."

"After much reflection, I have come to the conclusion that my journey as a soldier no longer aligns with my heart. The burden I carry, the losses I have suffered, and the scars I have accumulated along the way have shown me that there is more to life than constantly fighting. I decided to seek an existence where I can find peace and meaning differently."

"It seems... to be Mikasa's handwriting, and something she would say... don't you think?" Connie asked, looking around. Everyone nodded affirmatively, but Armin's face was deeply dejected, a shadow of sadness dominating his face.

"Is it over...? Just that...?" Jean questioned, disbelief in his voice.

Hange sighed, rereading the letter quickly. "Yes... it says: 'With gratitude and affection'. And now the other letter..." She carefully tore open the envelope, revealing another sheet of paper. "Clearly from Eren... LOOK AT HIS HANDWRITING!"