Note: Another end to another fanfic. I hope you all enjoyed this little endeavor of mine. I am very pleased with how it turned out. Thank you for all of your reviews and comments. They really mean a lot to me. This chap may seem to not quite end, but remember that this is only a filler section for Gregory Magire's novel. The next chap would be section 2 of the novel. I hope you enjoy it!
Tibbett's condition varied from day to day. On bad days, he would drift between consciousness and sleep. He would sometimes experience delirium and rail against old friends and colleagues for injustices they did not commit. There were more good days than bad, however, and he would often play with Liir or sit outside when the weather allowed.
It was a sunny, clear day in April when he asked Elphaba to accompany him in the garden. She helped him into a wheelchair and walked him out the back door. Tibbett breathed deeply. He loved being outside in the fresh air. Elphaba sat quietly across from him on the stone bench. He placed a skeletal hand on hers.
"My dear Elphaba, my time in this world is growing short. I must confess something to you."
He paused to catch his breath. He behaved very much like an old man though he was barely 30 years old. Elphaba waited patiently.
"I know why you have sentenced yourself to this life. You feel that you are responsible for Fiyero's demise."
Elphaba's head snapped to face Tibbett. Her eyes grew wide with disbelief.
"That's absurd."
"Is it? No need to fret." Tibbett patted her hand soothingly. "Your secret is safe with me. It wasn't hard to figure out, truthfully. Whenever his name came up in our conversations I would see an incredible sadness cloud your eyes. It was only for an instant, but it was there regardless. You loved him very much."
It wasn't a question, but Elphaba nodded her head anyway.
"No matter what you believe it wasn't your fault. His choices were his own to make, not yours. You of all people should realize and accept that. He would not want you to live this way."
Tibbett gently kissed her forehead. "I hope you find peace, Elphaba."
Later that night, Tibbett passed quietly in his sleep. Elphaba held his hand as he slipped away. After reciting a few prayers for the safe passage of his soul, and meaning them for once, she arranged his wrists above the sheet and informed the Superior Maunt. Burial arrangements were made for the morning. Elphaba did not sleep for the remainder of the night. Though she tried to remain distant she had grown fond of Tibbett once again. Now he was gone.
She sat up and watched Liir sleep, blissfully unaware of the change that was about to occur. The Superior Maunt had decided it was time for Elphaba to leave and re-enter society. There was no more to be done for her at the mauntery. Elphaba knew what she had to do. The caravan would arrive shortly after breakfast. She had to travel to the Vinkus and confront Fiyero's widow. Only then would she be able to let go. Elphaba stayed up thinking about the journey ahead. She took out of her trunk the black scarf with the red roses that Fiyero had given her a lifetime ago. She could only finger its delicate pattern and stare at it. She continued to stare at it long after her candle had burnt out.