Farewell

When he woke up the next day, Theos gave his mother a hug and wished her good morning. He stepped outside and noticed a large movement of people in the village, which was strange since the place was usually small and quiet. Curious, he walked closer to see what was happening and saw soldiers around, as well as a fleet of ships on the coast. Theos was amazed, for it was the first time he had seen anything like that. At that moment, he spotted Sophia, who called for him, and he went to her.
- Sophia, what’s all this?—Theos asked.
- I was about to go to your house to tell you. My mother decided to move things earlier. We were supposed to leave later, but she thought it would be better to depart early in the morning.
-I see…— Theos replied with a sad tone.
- I’m sorry, Theos… I wish I could spend more time with you.
- Me too… And Icarus? Where is he?
-Here.
-Ah! You scared me!— Theos said with a nervous laugh. —I’ll miss you too, Icarus.
-…Yeah. Me too, Theos.
–Hihi, he won’t admit it, but inside he’s probably close to crying,—Sophia teased.
-I am not! Quiet, you!— Icarus snapped back.
At that moment, an Athenian soldier announced that everything was ready to set sail. The three walked to the shore for their farewell.
-Well… this is where we part. I’ll miss both of you,—Theos said, lowering his head.
-We’ll miss you too, Theos,” Sophia replied, equally sad.
Theos extended his fist to Icarus, who bumped it with his own, both of them smiling lightly. After that, Icarus boarded the ship, waiting for Sophia.
-I’ll miss you, Theos…
-Me too…
-Ah, I almost forgot.
Sophia took a deep breath, her eyes slightly teary as she looked at Theos. She pulled something hidden from her pocket and held it tightly. Then, she stretched out her hand, revealing a bracelet made of braided red threads with a small golden charm.
Theos widened his eyes. —You made this?
-Yes… with my own hands.–Sophia smiled, though her voice trembled. “It’s so you won’t forget me… or the promise we made under that tree. Whenever you look at it, I want you to remember me.
Theos fell silent for a moment, feeling the weight of her words.
-How could I ever forget you? Especially with it being the color of your hair. I’ll always remember you.
Suddenly, Theos panicked.-Wait… I don’t have anything to give you!
-You don’t need to give me anything.
But Theos tore a piece of his own clothing, quickly fashioned a simple bracelet, and handed it to Sophia.
-Here… so you won’t forget me either.
Sophia accepted the gift, her eyes filling with tears. Overwhelmed, she hugged Theos tightly, and he hugged her back. From a distance, Icarus crossed his arms and muttered:
-Hmph… dramatic.
Sophia wiped her tears and, her voice still trembling, said:-Theos… I… I…
Before she could continue, an Athenian soldier approached.-Miss, we must leave now. We cannot wait any longer.
-Ah… alright, I’m coming. Goodbye, Theos. Please come visit us, and when we can, we’ll come back to see you.
-Okay… but what were you about to say?
-Forget it… it wasn’t important. Goodbye, Theos.
Sophia boarded, waving at Theos, who waved back. Icarus moved closer to her and asked quietly:
-Did you tell him?
-No… I couldn’t. I’m such a fool… Sophia whispered, gripping tightly the improvised bracelet Theos had given her.
Meanwhile, Theos remained at the shore, staring at the horizon. With each passing minute, the ship carrying Sophia and Icarus grew smaller, until it disappeared entirely.
He stayed there for hours, gazing at the vast ocean. Then, standing up, he slipped Sophia’s bracelet onto his wrist, clenched his fist tightly, and with great determination, declared:
-Sophia, Icarus… wait for me.