Gilbert's sojourn to Avonlea was slow and uneventful, as planned. Determined not to push himself too much too soon, he had made arrangements to overnight in two different small towns between Ontario and Prince Edward Island so as to ensure that the long train ride didn't get the better of him. When he finally arrived at the Carmody train station, he was exhausted but his heart sang. He practically fell into Bash's arms after stepping off the train and the two exchanged a brotherly embrace:

"I've missed you, Bash!"

"Welcome home brother."

Gilbert drew in a deep long breath and smiled with his whole person. "It is good to be home."

The long carriage ride to the Blythe homestead allowed the two friends the long-awaited opportunity to catch up. Gilbert told Bash about Oronhyatekha and his renewed commitment to the study of medicine, and Bash shared a little about his growing kinship with Muriel and his latest row with his mother (although things were getting better, honestly they were!) After a moment of silence, Bash changed the subject somewhat awkwardly:

"How is Christine? I'm sorry she wasn't able to make the trip with you."

"Christine?"

"Yes, Christine." In response to Gilbert's puzzled look: "We met in the hospital."

"Oh really? She's fine, the others are too. If this crisis has taught me anything, it's that I am very fortunate to have such good friends, especially so far from home."

"For sure," said Bash, timidly. He chose his words carefully.

"GIlbert, I have always known you to be a private man, especially when it comes to matters of the heart, and of course I respect that. I just need you to know that Deli and I are very happy for you both and we wish you every happiness."

"Thanks," Gilbert responded curiously. "What exactly do you mean by 'you both'?"

"You and Christine, obviously."

"I'm not sure I'm following. What, exactly, is so obvious about me and Christine?"

"You're getting married of course!"

"We're what?!" Gilbert exclaimed, almost spoking their horse.

"One of the nurses at the hospital told me that Christine is your fiancee. I'll admit that I was taken aback at first for I didn't think you'd get engaged without first introducing the lady to your family, but when I saw the way she looked at you, Gilbert, I knew she was very much in love with you."

"Oh, Bash. Oh, Christine. We are not engaged, we are not even romantic." He put his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair. "I probably should have suspected that Christine was interested in me in that way, but I was just so focused on pushing through my broken heart and meeting my academic goals, and it was so nice to have a really good friend I just …"

"Your broken heart … "

"I … I don't want to talk about that."

Bash paused. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. If I was ever in any doubt of … you know who's … feelings for me, this crisis has helped me to see the light. No letter, Bash, no note, no nothing. She has moved on and I am determined to find a way to do so also."

"Oh shit."

"Bash! What in the heck are you on about?"

"Well, I sent word to … you know who … through Muriel that you were engaged and (he cleared his throat) Miss Stacey and I agreed that it was probably best that …. she … not contact you."

Gilbert was speechless. He didn't blame his friend, of course, but what a mixed up set of circumstances he found himself in.

"I … I …" Gilbert started to feel a little bit faint and even Bash could see the colour draining from his face.

"Listen, brother, there is plenty of time ahead to unpack all of this. For now, let's focus on getting you home. I know of one little girl who is beside herself in anticipation of your arrival and may have prepared a tea party in your honour."

"Thanks, brother. That sounds really nice."

They continued toward the Blythe farm in quiet contemplation. Gilbert's reunion with Deli was as heart-warming as one could possibly imagine, and it was early to bed for the beligured traveler.

Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. Gilbert heard Miss Stacey's voice in his head as drifted off to sleep.

Over breakfast the next morning, Bash brought Gilbert up to speed on the Avery family's fundraiser and Anne's recitation. Gilbert responded off-handedly:

"Perhaps I'll make my way in that direction and check it out."

"Mmmmm," said Bash in his knowing way. "Perhaps."

The moment Gilbert saw Anne again, dressed like an angel and aglow under the theatrical lights, his heart leapt into his throat. For a moment, he couldn't breathe. Never had a man so loved a woman in the whole of human history. Gilbert absolutely knew this to be true. She was divine. She was perfection. And she looked like she was going to faint or be sick to her stomach - imminently. Gilbert steadied himself and sent all of the love and pride he could muster in her direction and for a moment, a brief moment, he thought she saw him. There were hundreds of people that night and having arrived late and endeavouring to keep a low profile, he was tucked all the way in the back so it wasn't likely but, still, for a split second they were connected again and all felt good and right in the world. He willed her on, and he could have sworn he saw her grow taller before his eyes. Her characteristic resolve course through her veins and, at that moment, he knew two things: Anne Shirley Cuthbert couldn't be stopped, and he was still desperately in love with her.

Gilbert enjoyed every blissful moment of Anne's recitation and was first among the voices demanding an encore. Towards the end of her second selection, he readied himself to lead the charge in a standing ovation and grabbed his cane (which he carried with him for balance and stamina during recovery). He was mere seconds from leaping to his feet when he was beaten to the punch but a gaggle of young people about his age a few rows in front of them. They called and cheered with such a thunder you'd think they were as in love with her as he was. He knew the Avonlea gang like the back of his hand and was absolutely certain that these were not the backsides of Diana or Moody or any of the old gang. One of the two gentlemen flogging the lady turned his head briefly to say something into her ear and that's when he saw: it was Christoper from Queen's - the cad who'd tried to put the moves on Anne when they were together!

Gilbert felt a desperate mix of anger and embarrassment and wished that he could disappear. He always knew there was more going on between them, he just knew! Gilbert was a level-headed man of logic and reflection most of the time but Anne brought out his jealous side, she always had. How could he have been so foolish as to believe for even a second that she had carried the torch for him as he had for her? Now he was the one sick to his stomach. He had to get out of there before any of the Avonlea militia spotted him. He got to his feet and slipped out the back.

Seated on the other side of the house, it was Marilla who spotted Gilbert as he rose from his seat and made his way through the auditorium doors. Whispering to Matthew that she would be right back, she slipped her purse under her arm and followed him out as briskly as she could without causing a scene. He wasn't anywhere in the White Sands lobby, unfortunately, but she wasn't giving up. Marilla, fueled by all of her own personal past regrets and the adrenalin of Anne's unforgettable performance, charged through the front doors of the hotel and onto the balcony.

She saw him. Gilbert was about 100 feet away, climbing into his buggy. Marilla ran to the balcony's edge:

"Gilbert," she called in a slightly raised voice. He took no notice. It was clear that she was going to have to do a lot better than that.

"Gilbert! Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeert!" she called with all of her might. He heard her not, and away he drove into the sunset.