''So... it's finally time for you to leave?'' Hatter had a smile on his face, but his eyes told Alice that he wasn't so pleased she was leaving, making the smile just look fake; an unconvincing facade. Alice nodded abruptly. ''Yes. I will have to go soon,'' Alice was happy to be able to go home through the looking-glass. She could finally return to the Land of the Oysters. She was too excited to pay too much attention to Hatter's expression. As far as she was concerned, everything was jolly. ''Can't you stay..?'' Hatter asked quietly, twiddling his thumbs in anxiety. Nonetheless, he was proud of himself for finally plucking up the courage to ask. Alice's face was strangely astonished. ''P-Pardon?'' Hatter realised he'd made a wrong move, and his eyes transformed from bright hopefullness to dull regret. After some moments of consideration, he returned his hands to his sides. ''It's nothing,'' he said. Alice smiled warmly, and it killed Hatter internally. ''It's a crazy idea - bonkers, even - but I can't stay here, Hatter. I have some affairs I have to tend to back in the Land of the Oysters.'' Hatter's expression remained melancholy. He didn't even dare look Alice in the eye. He felt rather idiotic; of course she had to go back to the Land of the Oysters - it was were she belonged, after all.
She caressed his cheeks. ''Don't worry, Hatter; I'll be back before you know it.'' Hatter looked at Alice directly. Her face was sincere. He nodded, tears pricking his eyes. He wrapped his slender arms around her momentarily, and then pulled away. He didn't dare take the time to look at her expression, for he feared she would think him a creep. ''Return to the Land of the Oysters, my dear Alice,'' Hatter said, uncertainty trailing in his voice. He didn't want her to actually leave, of course - but he knew it would be selfish to keep her here, away from her family. He decided not to ask her burdensome questions anymore.
Alice took hold of his hands with hers, and looked him in the eyes; her eyes were gentle, but melancholy. ''Don't worry, Hatter; I'll be back before you know it,'' She released his hands from her grasp. ''Just promise me one thing,'' Hatter nodded enthusiastically. ''Anything!'' Alice smiled light-heartedly.
''Wait for me.'' And with those last words, as they disappeared in the wind, Alice was gone.