Chapter 2
The decision was made. Yes, he loved Buttercup, but if he stayed, the dreams would continue and haunt him forever. Westley quietly pulled back the sheets and put his feet on the floor. He glanced at the sun through the window. Buttercup usually did not awaken for at least another forty-five minutes, giving him time to pack and write a farewell note.
Quickly he dressed and found his old brown sack. He remembered that it was the same one he had had when he left Buttercup the first time to get money for them to marry. The reasons he was leaving now were quite the opposite. He shook the thought away and gathered a few changes in clothing. He took some of the money that they had saved, leaving the most for Buttercup. A loaf of bread had been made the night before. He sliced it in half and put one half of it in the sack, along with the knife he had used.
Now he had to write the letter. He stared at the paper for a few moments, wondering how to start, but once he did, the words came with surprising ease.
My dearest Buttercup,
By the time you awaken, I will be gone. There is something I must do. I cannot tell you where I am going, or when I will return to you, for I am not sure myself. All I know for sure is that I love you. I love you with all of my heart. I hate leaving you like this, only a month from our first wedding anniversary, but I must go. Now, as I write this letter, still here in our home, I already anxiously await the day I return. I will do my best to make sure that day comes as quickly as it can.
With all my love,
Westley
In truth, Westley had no idea if he would ever return to Buttercup. He felt guilty about lying, but it would comfort her. Well, as comforted as she could be, after her husband leaves her without a warning, he realized. But he had to leave. He had to find Ryan.
Finally, he took his sword off the shelf on the wall. He had not touched it in a while, and it had collected a bit of dust. He licked his finger and ran his hand ceremoniously across the blade. He then tossed it lightly from hand to hand as everything he had learned of swordplay came back to him. The sword was good as new, and he hadn't lost his touch. He put the sword into his belt, grabbed his sack, and headed out the door.