Running Carriage: The Moment that Slipped Through the Hands

An Unexpected Reunion

Debling was walking past the park, absorbed in his thoughts about what to do with Penelope and how they should live now. He desperately wanted to escape on an expedition and never return. Let everyone think he was dead.

Suddenly, his attention was drawn to an incredibly familiar figure, carefully examining the flowers. She seemed as engrossed as before when they explored the surroundings and discussed natural phenomena together.

He slowly approached and stopped, studying the woman. His heart skipped a beat when he recognized her—it was Posy. Waves of memories overwhelmed him, and he felt instantly transported back to the past when they spent endless hours exploring nature and discussing their dreams and hopes.

But what was she doing here? And how had she changed over time? These questions troubled Debling, and he couldn't suppress his curiosity. His heart beat faster as he resolutely approached the table, ready to meet her after many years of separation.

He approached the table, feeling mixed emotions with every step—joy, excitement, and some anxiety. When he was very close, Posy looked up from the plant she was studying with great interest and met his gaze.

"Alfred?" she whispered, her voice sounding like a familiar melody from the past.

"Posy," he said, his voice trembling more than he expected. "How... how are you here?"

She smiled at him, and in that smile, he saw the imprint of the time they spent together. "I came back for a short time to deal with family matters. And here you are. How's life, Alfred?"

"Complicated," he replied honestly. "But you look wonderful, Posy. What's new with you?"

They began discussing their lives over the past years. For Debling, it was like returning to something precious and familiar that he had long lost. He had forgotten how important Posy was to him until they met again, and now he realized he could never forget her.

During their conversation, Posy told Debling how she still yearned for adventures, to find her place in the world. She shared her aspirations and future plans, how she had become more independent and confident.

Debling, in turn, shared his own problems and joys, talked about his adventures on expeditions, but also about his internal struggles and doubts. He felt he could open up to her like no one else.

Posy and Debling spent several hours together, but time flew by unnoticed. They laughed, reminiscing about childhood, sharing memories of their families, and discussing their dreams and ambitions.

When it was time to say goodbye, Debling felt that meeting Posy meant much more to him than he could have imagined. He realized she had always been special to him and decided he wouldn't lose her again.

Posy and Debling began a correspondence that soon consumed Debling and became an integral part of their mutual support and inspiration. Each letter was like a ray of light in the gray days filled with difficulties and doubts. They shared their thoughts, dreams, and plans for the future, supporting each other in tough times and rejoicing together in the bright moments that the future promised.

In these letters, Debling and Posy discovered a shared desire—to escape the world's hustle and find peace in a secluded place. They realized that Antarctica could be such a refuge for them, where they could find tranquility.

Exchanging glances, they understood they had the chance to do it together. For Debling, it would be not only an escape from problems but also an opportunity to be with Posy, with whom he had so much in common and with whom he felt truly happy.

Posy smiled, feeling that her dream of adventures could become a reality together with Debling. They exchanged promises to support each other and be each other's rock in this new journey.

Thus, their conversation ended with an agreement to escape together to Antarctica, where they both hoped to find true happiness and their path to self-discovery.

The relationship between Penelope and Debling was still quite cold, but they were learning to live with each other without disturbing the peace. After Debling met Posy, the place of hatred in his heart began to blossom with love.

Debling sat in his office, immersed in thoughts about his impossible situation. He reviewed plan after plan but couldn't come up with a way to avoid conflict with society and his family while maintaining his freedom and the possibility of being with Posy. His thoughts were interrupted when Penelope entered the room.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, looking at him with curiosity.

Debling looked up, and in his eyes was a mix of surprise and concern. "It's something bigger than I could have imagined," he replied, unsure if he wanted to share his thoughts.

"Bigger than you can imagine?" Penelope continued, stepping closer.

"It's... It's hard to explain," Debling said slowly, sighing. "I just... I feel stuck. I can't find a way out of this situation."

Penelope sat next to him, taking his hand in hers. "Maybe I can help?" she offered, her gaze filled with determination.

Debling, hesitating slightly, decided to share his thoughts.

"I'm thinking about Posy," he finally admitted, looking into her eyes. "About how we can be together while keeping our integrity before ourselves and others."

He told her about his feelings for Posy and his desire to leave with her to start a new life, but he also worried about how it would affect their family and society.

Penelope listened attentively, feeling a surge of energy and happiness for him. She understood his desire to be with Posy and admitted she wanted to see him happy.

At that moment, a deep and honest conversation emerged between them, helping them both better understand their feelings and find a way to compromise.

And she offered to help him.

"You can't help me. And I wouldn't risk your reputation or that of an innocent child who will also suffer when Lady Whistledown finds out the truth."

Penelope, with quiet determination in her eyes, slowly stood up and approached Debling. Her voice now sounded calm but filled with trust and resolve.

"Alfred," she began, her words sounding like a sentence but also filled with tenderness and care. "I have to confess something to you. I... I am Lady Whistledown."

Debling looked at her with astonishment and confusion. "You... Lady Whistledown?"

Penelope nodded, holding his gaze. "Yes, it's true. And I can help you, Alfred. I can make everything stop. I can protect our family and ensure your freedom."

Her words sounded like a promise, and Debling felt his heart fill with mixed feelings of astonishment, gratitude, and hope.

Debling was overwhelmed by her offer and her willingness to take such a step for him. He felt mixed emotions; on one hand, he was grateful for her offer of help, but on the other, he realized it was a very risky and dangerous plan.

"Penelope, it's too dangerous," he said, lowering his eyes, full of doubts and anxiety. "I can't let you make such sacrifices for me."

Penelope smiled, touching his hand. "I'm ready for it if it helps us both be happy," she said with confidence in her voice. "And knowing you're happy there will help me find happiness here."

Debling looked at her with admiration and gratitude, understanding that her offer came from a sincere desire to help him. He hugged her tightly, feeling truly happy and grateful to fate for their meeting.