The Fall Festival was happening on the day Willy returned to Pelican Town, and the crowds and music only seemed to add to the lightness in his chest. He'd fulfilled the Joja order flawlessly, and even earned a lofty bonus for a couple of Super Cucumbers he'd managed to nab. He finally had enough capital to hire another angler, and maybe even expand the business if things went well.
More importantly, he'd be able to keep his promise to Ellen. The mermaid pendant in his pocket seemed to burn a hole in his leg as he searched the town for her, his excitement and happiness threatening to burst out of him at any moment.
The crowds were large this year, and he weaved through them impatiently. Eventually he spied Robin leaning against the side of the saloon, laughing with a guy who had more metal in his face than skin. Her smile faded as he approached, however, and after she said something to him the man left.
"Hey Robin," he said, his own smile intact. "Have you seen Ellen around? I can't find her."
Robin bit her lip, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "Hey Willy. I uh...did you just get back?"
"Yeah, about an hour ago. You're the first familiar face I've seen – well, except Pierre," he amended, scrunching his nose in distaste.
Robin didn't laugh. Instead she fidgeted with the zipper of her jacket, silently avoiding his gaze.
Willy finally frowned. This was so unlike her. "So uh...do you know where Ellen is?" he asked again.
"She's..." Robin trailed off. She sighed, looking back up at him with a strange mixture of pity and frustration.
"Ellen left Pelican Town last month. She said she's not coming back."
The air exited his lungs painfully, eyes wide with shock and horrified understanding. He'd been too late. She was gone, and she'd taken his entire world with her.
He turned wordlessly, numbly walking back to the beach and the ocean beyond. Standing at the edge of the pier, Willy's fingers brushed against the seashell in his pocket, and he allowed the grief to take him.