A Sudden Departure

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Anne had to admit that she loved when Bash and Muriel had to take baby Matthew to his triannual checkup with Dr. Ward because it meant her and Gilbert got to look after sweet Delly for a weekend. Two years old, she was waddling around and babbling her words. According to her parents, she loved visiting her "Auntie Anne" and her "Uncle Gilby".

Anne and Gilbert were watching Delly eat her lunch when they heard a knock on the door.

"Mail," Gilbert said automatically. He kissed Anne's cheek. "I'll get it."

He walked to the door and Anne watched as Delly tiredly rubbed her eyes.

Anne laughed. "You done, Delly?"

Delly nodded and Anne brought her dishes to the sink before picking her up.

"Let's get you down for a nap," she told her and brought her to the bedroom. After getting her to sleep, Anne walked back out to the kitchen. Gilbert was sitting at the table, reading a letter intently.

Anne sat next to him, getting his attention.

"What is it?" she asked.

Gilbert took a moment before saying, "It's from Professor Atyah." This was his primary medical professor. "Apparently there's a 4-week internship available at the hospital in Summerside and she recommended me."

"Really?" Anne asked, a smile on her face.

He shrugged. "Yeah, but I'm not going to do it."

"What?" Anne exclaimed in shock. "Why??"

"I'm not leaving you for a month," he explained as if it were obvious. "I won't do it."

"Gilbert," Anne chided. "You need to go! You're never going to become a doctor if you never get any professional experience. Besides, I will be fine."

"For four weeks?" he asked suspiciously.

"Yes!" she claimed. "If I get lonely, I'll stay with Marilla and Jerry. You need to go, Gil."

Finally, he sighed. "You're sure?"

She grabbed his hand. "Very sure."

He allowed a smile. "Okay, I'll go. But I'm really not excited to leave you for four weeks."

She shrugged. "We can write letters. Summerside is closer than Toronto so we won't have to wait two weeks in between letters again. When do you leave?"

"Two weeks," he responded, resting his head in his hand. "Why?"

"So we still have time," she stayed with a smile.

"Time for what?"

In response, she leaned over and pressed her lips against his.

Understanding, Gilbert immediately deepened the kiss, pulling her closer.

•••

Anne helped load Gilbert's bags into the carriage, feeling a twinge of regret over making him go.

He was very excited and she was very excited for him, but they were going to miss each other immensely.

Marilla, Jerry, Bash, Muriel, Delly, and Matthew had come over the previous night to hold a celebration dinner for their upcoming doctor, so they had already said their goodbyes. Anne could already tell that Gilbert was going to be homesick.

After lifting the last bag into the back of the carriage, her husband turned to her, trying to put on a brave face.

"Alright," he sighed. "It's all there."

"Are you sure you didn't forget anything?" she asked for the tenth time that day.

He smiled and took her hands in his.

"I'll miss you," he said softly.

She forced a watery smile. "I'll miss you, too. Write to me as soon as you get there."

He nodded and pulled her into a tight hug. She hugged him back, not wanting to let go.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you more," she replied, playing their little game.

"I love you most," he finished. He pulled away and gave her one last kiss before climbing into the carriage.

They waved as it pulled away.

"Good luck!" she called. "Be safe!"

All too soon, he was gone.

Anne sighed, wondering what this next month would be like without him.

———
AN: sorry this took so long!!

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