Disclaimer: Any use of the title, dialogue, and plot is strictly prohibited. Anne of Green Gables belongs to L. M. Montgomery.
The warm summer day brought with it a pastel-colored sky that painted the heavens with an indescribable splendor anyone out of doors was lucky to see. Two figures, who were out on this particular evening, were witnesses of this spectacle as they strolled along, one a chatty sixteen-year-old and the other much older and less talkative than his companion. Then again the latter was not known for being one to speak or engage in lengthy conversation, preferring instead his own company or taking care of anything that needed doing around the farm. Folks in Avonlea knew him for these qualities but there was another side they were not aware of; apart from being a man who minded his business and rarely set out unless the situation called for it, he was also a patient, kind listener who did so without judgment.
Right from the beginning, Anne and Matthew were able to get along which proved to be an advantage for the girl because she had never been able to talk freely without those around her showing their dislike for her chatter. She had often heard the saying children should be seen and not heard and thought the people who had come up with such a thing did not have a spark or ounce of compassion and imagination. She was pleased to find that, while on the drive from the station, Mr. Cuthbert did not mind her rambling one bit and rather enjoyed listening as she expressed her deep reverence and appreciation for all things beautiful. This, of course, was ironic because Matthew had not always liked chatter or women; he made a habit to occupy himself with work when Mrs. Lynde came to call and did not return inside until he was sure she had left.
Something in Anne stirred in him deep empathy for the misunderstood child who had never been permitted or encouraged to say what she thought because adults had not always been fair in their assessment of her inquisitive nature which vexed them greatly; due to this lack of understanding and acceptance, Anne thought it best to retreat into her mind with the help of nature and books because they alone offered a feeling of security and safety and gave her a space where she was able to be herself.
He gazed upon the face of his dear girl and noticed her eyes, filled with the luster of awe and wonder, taking in the sky aglow with a fiery orange; they had been walking for some time and had stopped near a copse of birches whose leaves shone with the vibrancy and lushness of summer. All around them silence prevailed and there was little activity on the road, for not many people were out and about and not a buggy or horse had been seen since they had set out from Green Gables.
Matthew reflected as he, too, drank in the magnificence of the fading rays of the light displayed upon a firmament slowly becoming dominated by the onset of night. He was proud of Anne and the person she had become; she would go far and do great things in life. She was, after all, a dreamer which, in his view, was a wonderful thing to be because it proved to him how there could be endless possibilities for anyone bold enough to believe in achieving any goal or aspiration.
"Isn't it a lovely evening, Matthew?" Her voice broke him out of his thoughts and back into the present.
"I'd say it is," was his quiet reply as he inwardly recited how he would state the pride he felt in his heart.
"I'm going to miss this view," she continued wistfully. "I'm happy to be going to Redmond, but I'm going to miss you and Marilla dearly. It pains my heart to know I'll be leaving and, even though Redmond may be nice and all, it won't be the same. Avonlea will always be home to me."
In truth, Matthew also knew he would miss Anne, for his love for her was beyond anything he himself could fathom. She had brought back color and joy to the Cuthberts' lives and not having her at Green Gables would be something that would take some getting used to. Deep down they knew she was growing up and as much as they wanted things to remain as they were, both siblings were aware that Anne couldn't be a child forever.
Wordlessly he reached out and placed a hand on her arm. He wanted this moment with her to last for as long as time would allow; the two stood in the silence of the evening, the only sound being the crickets whose chirping signaled night's arrival.
"Shall we head back?" Anne inquired, looking up at the sky now completely devoid of light.
Matthew nodded in assent and, hand in hand, the two made their way back to Green Gables. Upon reaching the house, Anne saw that the light was on and knew Marilla hadn't yet gone to bed.
Before going up the lane, the man stopped and turned to her, his hand on the gate.
"My girl, my girl that I'm proud of," he said quietly, pulling Anne into an embrace. "I'm very proud of you, Anne."
"Thank you, Matthew." She impetuously returned his hug and stepped back to allow him to open the gate through which they entered.
Later that evening, after having a cup of tea and bidding Marilla and Matthew a good night, Anne silently gave her thanks for the day and the wonderful walk she and Matthew had shared. She was glad to have spent this time with him and was unbeknownst of his unexpected departure which would prove to be quite a shock for both her and Marilla.