Beyond

Back home

The afternoon sun casts a soft, golden hue over the meadow as Piper watches Connor's retreating figure disappear into the trees, her heart sinking a little more with every step he takes away from her. It wasn't the first time she had felt his distance, but today it stung in a way she couldn't shake. His words, though kind, were laced with something heavier, something unspoken, and it lingered in the air long after he'd left her there without any explanation.

Finley, who had been chatting with Eamon, notices the shift in Piper's demeanour. Her shoulders droop, and her usual spark seems to have dulled. He approaches her quietly, sensing something is off. "Hey," he says gently, his voice full of concern, "you alright?" Piper forces a small smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine... just tired, I guess." But Finley knows better. "You're a terrible liar," he remarks, chuckling softly, but his eyes remain serious. "Something's bothering you. Is it Connor?"

Piper's expression falters, and she bites her lip, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that's been building inside her all day. "It's just... everything," she admits, her voice quieter now. "All of this. This place, this world, you all being so kind to me. And Connor—he's been so... distant since he left this morning." She pauses, taking a deep breath as she gathers her thoughts.

"I've only been here for a little while, but it feels like everything's moving too fast. I'm grateful for how you've treated me, really. I've never met people as welcoming as you all. But I don't belong here. This isn't my world. I'm still a student back home, I have responsibilities, a life... I don't even know how I got mixed up in all of this." Finley nods, his eyes soft with understanding. "It's a lot to take in. You've been thrown into something way bigger than any of us could have expected."

Piper swallows hard, her voice trembling slightly. "I think I need to go back. To my world. To my house, my normal life." She pauses, glancing at the forest edge where Connor had disappeared. "And I need to put some distance between me and Connor. I can't explain it, but his behaviour—it's confusing me and it's just making everything harder."

Finley studies her for a long moment, then nods. "I understand. Sometimes a little space helps clear the head." He hesitates before adding, "You sure about this? Once you go back, I don't know when or how you'll be able to return." Piper's chest tightens at his words, but she nods firmly. "I'm sure. At least for now. I just... I need to be back in my world. I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I hope... I hope we'll see each other again." Finley lets out a slow breath, his gaze thoughtful before he turns to the others. "Alright then. We'll get you to the portal."

Eamon and Elara, who had been standing nearby, overhear the conversation and exchange concerned glances. Elara steps forward. "Are you sure, Piper? We don't want you to feel like you have to leave." Piper offers her a soft smile. "I'm sure. I just... need some time to figure things out."

The group agrees to help her, deciding that it's safest to ride to the portal since the sun is beginning to dip low in the sky. They saddle up the horses quickly, and Piper mounts the stallion once more, feeling the familiar weight of uncertainty pressing against her chest.

As they ride, the mood is somber. No one says much, the only sounds coming from the horses' hooves and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Piper's mind races, the reality of what she's about to do settling in. She feels a mixture of relief and sadness—relief that she's going back to her familiar world, but sadness at leaving behind the people she's come to care for. After a while, they reach the oak tree. The forest is still, bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. Piper dismounts and stands before the tree, her hand lightly resting on the bark. This is it.

Eamon is the first to break the silence. "We'll miss you, Piper," he says softly, stepping forward. "It's been great getting to know you, and I hope we cross paths again. You have a real gift, you know? With animals, with people. I don't think this is the last time we'll see each other." Piper's heart warms at his words, and she pulls him into a hug. "Thank you, Eamon. For everything." Elara is next, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Be safe out there, okay? And don't forget us."