The Missing Puzzle Pieces

In the end, Quin took Geale to the mainland with his bike.

They went to one of the seaside restaurants near the bus station and shared a large order of freshly cooked seafood. The mainland didn't feel any different from the island, except for more concrete pavements.

The ocean view was nice. The blue ocean looked a bit greener since it was closer to land. The bright sky was vibrant. Being on the mainland allowed Geale to see the island, where Marnthe was, from a far. It appeared smaller than when he walked around it.

Geale's heart ached at the thought that he left him behind.

"Marnthe won't hate you for being here, you know," Quin said, surprising Geale. He was seated across from him on an outdoor table covered by a large umbrella. "He's actually hoping you'd go out more."

Geale frowned, his hand holding a glass of watermelon shake. "Are you saying he doesn't want me around?"