The fading rays of sunlight glistened in arrays of color over the waters as the ship docked on the Narnian port. Evelyn and every refugee could not believe their eyes as they had finally reached Narnia. All their pains and troubles, all their torture they had endured for years, it was finally over the moment they set foot in Narnia. The land was a sight never seen by their eyes. White sandy beaches, lush green hills and red leaved trees. And overlooking the sea, high within the hill, was the great white castle of Cair Paravel.
Evelyn smiled, finally feeling free for the first time in her life. She could feel the years of pain and torment melt away as she walked toward the platform to the dock. An arm snaked around hers unexpectedly. Evelyn turned to find Peter standing behind her.
"Welcome to Narnia." Peter said.
Evelyn looked out. "It looks more incredible than I remember it."
"Come." Peter said. He led Evelyn toward the plank and walked with her off the ship. They followed the refugees onto the beach, making their way toward Cair Paravel.
Throughout the walk, Evelyn's mind continued to travel back to her conversation with Susan, hours before docking. She couldn't stay, but she couldn't leave Narnia either. There were so many thoughts pulling her in every direction. Her mind told her to leave Narnia, leave Peter, and move on. But her heart told her to stay. There would be no hope of finding another person like Peter in life. Yet there was something telling her that she didn't belong in his life.
Peter noticed Evelyn's somber behavior. Ahead of them, most of the refugees were within the reach of Cair Paravel and her guards. Peter stopped and pulled Evelyn with him. They moved away from Cair Paravel and out on to the beach.
"What's wrong Evy?" peter asked.
Evelyn stopped walking and drew her arm from Peter's grasp. "I can't stay here, Peter."
Peter's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Evelyn took his cheek and kissed him quickly. They parted soon after and Evelyn turned from Peter. "I love you, but I do not belong here."
"Will you go back home?" Peter asked.
"I don't know. I've dreamt about returning to Narnia for years. And now that I've finally returned, I'm not sure I could bear to leave it." Evelyn replied.
Peter watched Evelyn's stature. Peter couldn't blame Evelyn for leaving, but he hadn't quite expected her to want to leave so soon. He had seen so many things in the past week, so many death defying moments. Years of torment and pain could not be so easily washed away the moment she returned to Narnia. Evelyn's heart was wild, battered, and needed to be healed. Narnia could heal her, not Peter, and he knew that. Perhaps that was what made the entire motion less painful for him.
Peter reached out to touched Evelyn's shoulder. She slowly turned to Peter. Peter took her into his arm quickly and kissed her deeply. He felt Evelyn's arms wrapped around his neck. They parted much too soon for either's likely. Peter looked into Evy's deep blue eyes and took her hand. "You're always welcome here, Evy."
Evelyn smiled. "I won't forget you, Peter. Thank you for everything." She stepped away from Peter.
As the distance between hem grew, their hands parted. Peter watched as Evelyn walked away from him, beginning her journey into Narnia. The last of the suns fading rays danced over her, lighting her in the most captivating ways imaginable. Evelyn turned once, and waved to him. Peter raised his hand and returned the wave. She turned back again and faded with the light, forever out of Peter's reach.
Peter's head lowered. He closed his eyes and prayed. "Watch after her, Aslan. Be with her in her darkest moments. Keep her safe."
see...no one's happy :'(
i own nothing