Song 37

The following morning after the play, Meloria was at the train station, sitting with her family as they waited for their train to Umculo. “You guys are going to love the park,” Meloria laughed, holding onto Finn tight in her lap, her smile wide as she could still remember the view from the top of the Ferris wheel. “And make sure to try the food, Lucan designed the entire menu, if Tenma has kept it the same, that is.”

Evelyn couldn’t help but notice how Meloria’s smile grew brighter as she mentioned Tenma. Even from her letters and in the photo, Evelyn was able to see the spark, even if it was small, that Meloria had for Tenma. She could see it now, Meloria walking down the aisle in a wedding dress designed and made with her own two hands, while her sons would be dressed in matching suits. To Evelyn, this sounded like the perfect wedding for Meloria.

“Mama has a goofy face again,” Finn commented, pointing to Evelyn, who was laughing like a love-struck schoolgirl to herself. Meloria shook her head, telling Finn to ignore it as the train pulled into the station. Finn jumped from Meloria’s lap, turning to her with big doe eyes and a pouty lip. “You sure you don’t want to come with us?”

Meloria laughed, ruffling Finn’s hair. “I’m afraid I’ll be too busy preparing for the show,” she smiled softly. “So take lots of photos while you’re there and when you see me next, you can show them to me and tell me all about the amazing time you’ve had.”

Still pouting, Finn nodded as Edward picked him up into his arms. Making sure that each of the boys kissed on the cheek before boarding the train, Meloria stepped back from the platform, watching as they took their seats beside the window, sticking their heads out of the window. Steam started to pour from the top of the train as it began to pull out from the station, the boys waving their hands vigorously even after the train had pulled entirely out of the station. Meloria, being sure to wave back, blew them a kiss as the train left her vision.

“Guess I better be saying goodbye too,” Lucan chuckled, bumping Meloria’s arm with his own, his train pulling into the platform next, Kendra, Fischer, and the baby waiting for him a little further down the platform, giving him some space to have a goodbye. He rolled his head, nervously scratching the back of his neck. “I have missed you, you know.”

“I know,” Meloria smiled, keeping her gaze on the train. “I have missed you too. I’ve been living on crappy convenience meals.”

“Shut up,” Lucan laughed, pulling Meloria into a side hug. Meloria gasped, her head reaching underneath his shoulder now. He was the tallest little brother she had ever seen. Here, I thought I could at least be taller in my new life, " she laughed to herself. “Well, in the capital, make sure you eat like a queen. You’ll need all that energy for when you see Raville.”

Meloria felt her face warm up; her cheeks, now warm, radiated heat against Lucan’s body, and her face was completely red from the neck up to her hairline. “Oh, be quiet,” she whined, pushing Lucan towards the train doors. “Get out of here, you big dummy.”

Lucan laughed and shook his head as he boarded the train, Meloria watching through the windows as he walked through the carriage, finding Kendra and Fischer to take their seats. Her eyes never left that window as the train pulled away; there were no grand hand waves like with the young boys, but the emotion was still there. Meloria had to take a deep breath, wiping her cheek as she looked away from the train once it was completely gone from the station. Just like that, they were going their separate ways again, this time all of them taking a train to a different destination, though they all set off on the same track.

Same track, different train

Makes it feel like we’re going the same way

Same track, different route

Eventually, we all turn our separate ways

Life drags us along the same track, but where we turn is up to us

The next train to pull up at the platform was a non-stop service to the capital. This was Meloria’s train, her turning to the next step in her adventure. Jonny came up beside her, putting his hand on her shoulder. He chuckled to himself, giving her a gentle push forward as the train doors opened.

I don’t know where my turning will lead me

The people I will meet on the way

Yet what I do know,

I’m grateful for the people who have joined me so far

Meloria grabbed her suitcase, holding onto it tightly as she navigated the busy carriages, trying to find two seats together. Jonny tapped her shoulder, pointing to two vacant seats in the corner, though it would mean moving backwards. Realising it meant either sitting with travel sickness or standing for a few hours, which would give her achy feet and a stiff back, she would happily take the travel sickness.

Even though our time together was short

I cherish every moment I had with you

The memories are etched into my heart

They will stay there until the end of time

The love will never fade

Meloria settled into the corner, trying to find a comfortable position for the journey ahead. Her body jolting slightly as the train started to pull away, watching as the platform began to leave her view. She couldn't help but feel a slight disappointment that there was no one on the platform to see her off, as she had for her family.

We've travelled along the same track.

But no, it's time to get off at our own stops

But our hearts will always be connected

"Meloria!" Meloria leant forward, getting a better view out of the window. Her eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of a banner with her name on it, floating in the current created by the train. Aggie and the rest of the cast, even the painter, stood holding onto the banner tightly. "Go get them! Show them all how amazing your voice is!" Aggie screamed, wanting to ensure her words were heard over the engine.

Meloria opened the window, sticking her head and arm out of the window, panicking Jonny as he held onto her waist to stop her from falling out. "Aggie!" Meloria called out, smiling as tears fell freely from her eyes. "Thank you! Thank you for letting me shine on your stage!”

Aggie reached out, her fingers grazing against Meloria’s as she passed her the banner they brought. “Thank you for being my friend!”

The train sped up, Meloria watching Aggie disappear into the distance, holding the banner tightly in her hand.

You’ll always be

My friend