The blonde barmaid moved onto the next table over and immediately started wiping the top over.

There was so much on her mind at that moment that everything else around her was a blur, or was practically non-existent. It was as though her body was on autopilot while her mind was elsewhere, and her personal burden was all-too-apparent to her despite her desire to ignore it. She assumed work would help her get over it, but it only served to trap her in deeper.

"Why did I go through all of that? Why did I bother doing any of it? It was obvious from that start we'd just be friends, and yet I went ahead and--- that was stupid of me. I was only leading myself on while using him. It wasn't Richter's fault: he really was just trying to raise as much as he could to help get his farm in shape, and then we sorta just clicked as co-workers. We had so much fun together, though. Maybe TOO much fun, but it still didn't give me the right to assume things. And he trusted me the whole time as a good friend. But then there was that lunch, and then the horse race, and--- why did I kiss him then? Why didn't I see it when I kissed him? And why did I bother confessing to him? He was with her that whole time she came back to the island. He even talked about her constantly when they started hanging out, too. I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry, Richter. I know you guys would rather not see me this way, but… I'm still trying to sort it all out. It's not like I can blame anyone else, as easy that would be. It's all my fault to begin with. That's why it's worse on me…"

At that moment, the regretful barmaid was struck with a painful memory…

On the great, grassy fields of the Brownie Ranch District, Kathy stood anxiously underneath Alan's tree along with a brown-haired young man in a red sweater.

Kathy trembled with uncertainty, wanting to get something desperately off her chest, while the young man before him was very concerned. It was as if he knew what was about to happen…

"Err, well… I don't know how else to say it, other than… I like you, Richter. Though if you already have someone else in your life, I'll give up. Does it bother you that I like you?"

Richter clenched both his fists and shook his head slowly.

"N-no… I'm sorry. I'm glad you like me so much. All those times I spent part-time at the bar were a lot of fun thanks to you, and your friendship really means a lot to me. It's just that I don't feel that way about you, Kathy." He muttered regretfully.

"I-I see…" Kathy answered with a choke.

"Did it… seem like I was leading you on this whole time? Maybe I shouldn't have---"

"No! Oh geez, no. You were just trying to hang out with me like any good friend with, right?" Kathy interrupted, "Besides, I did give you that kiss after that horse race and I was afraid I might have been out of line back then."

"That was sort of a warning sign on my end. I was afraid it would come down to this and I'd end up hurting you eventually, but I knew I had to be honest when it came down to it." Richter confessed.

"I-It's not your fault. These are my feelings, after all. It's not like you're in full control of them or anything." Kathy answered, trying to defuse the blame.

"Still…" Richter sighed.

"S-so, while we're on the subject of feelings, who's the lucky girl?" Kathy asked, " Is it that Candance girl? You've been really good to her and she seems like someone nice. You've even been working part-time at the tailor's before your evening job."

"Actually, you remember that one woman I mentioned meeting before coming to Waffle Island? It turned out to be Phoebe, and since we reunited, we ended up hitting it off really well. I thought it was just an off-hand attraction to a quirky friend at first, but then I saw something in her that made me fall for her for real. I was actually on a search for a blue feather when you called me over for this meeting." Richter explained.

"…ha. R-really? Phoebe? I actually heard from Owen that girl's really good at keeping to herself. M-Maybe you're the best thing to happen to her." Kathy suggested reluctantly."

"Kathy…"

"No! Really! I'm fine with it! My best buddy from the mainland found his soulmate after all, right?" Kathy insisted.

"I know it's not as simple as that," Richter replied sympathetically, "This isn't a matter of who deserves a happy ending right now. Kathy, you're still my friend. Even if I don't return your feelings, I want to---"

The helpless farmer stopped himself and sighed. Kathy noticed him slowly distancing himself. It was very likely he reached the same conclusion she himself felt: That his presence was likely the last thing she needs at that moment. The only thing she could do was comply with this realization.

"A-anyway, good luck with the proposal! I'm glad you met your old friend on the mainland! I bet anything she can't wait to be a blushing bride and all! Sorry for wasting your time!"

After that, Kathy immediately took off towards the nearby barn. She could sense Richter still watching her , but she couldn't dare look back. She was ashamed she needed to put this space between them in to begin with, and she regretted that it would continue to haunt her later on…

"Hey!"

The sudden cry was quickly accompanied by the slamming of a glass cup atop a nearby table.

The startled Kathy turned her head to see the Sundae Inn's new guest staring right at her with a very stoic expression.