I realized I started writing this story back in 2013, and I'm just now finishing it in 2023. Ten years! I honestly didn't think it would take so long, but I also didn't anticipate all of the life changes I would go through in those ten years. I'm really proud of myself for getting back into writing and finishing it though. Writing is one of my greatest passions and it feels so good to be creating again.

Thank you all for joining me on this journey!

Dawn of a New Day

The sun was beautiful and unexpected when it rose over Clock Town the next morning. The few people who remained in the town crawled out from their hiding places, bewildered, when they looked up to the sky and couldn't see the moon that was pressing down on them for three full days.

Anju hadn't left the inn, but Mother told her (which a town guard had told her) that the Four Giants appeared and stopped the moon from falling. Both wished they could have seen it.

Later that morning, while the Carnival of Time was in full swing, Anju was putting the final touches on her wedding outfit. Her mother pushed a few strands of auburn hair from her daughter's eyes and adjusted the veil on her head.

"You look beautiful, darling," she said, brushing a few tears from her eyes. "And I'm so proud of you."

Anju smiled.

She hadn't stopped smiling since Kafei came home, and after that, when her mother and grandmother returned to town in the early morning hours.

"Thank you. I'm proud of me too," she said. It was funny how just seventy-two hours could change a person.

Mother quickly busied herself with the bouquet. "I'm so glad the florist dropped all of these off yesterday," she said, her voice still husky and thick from nearly crying. "We'll have to give her a few extra rupees for the trouble when the wedding is finished. She did a wonderful job."

"She did," Anju agreed as she took the flowers from her mother's hands. "Please stop fretting. Everything will be perfect. And besides, isn't it the bride's job to be the one who's stressed?"

"I know, it's just..." Mother sighed. "The last few days have been...you know."

Anju couldn't help but laugh. "Putting it lightly."

"I can't believe this is still happening. I was so sure..."

"He promised he would be back. And he was."

"You're right, my dear." Her mother tucked another loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I shouldn't have doubted Kafei. He's a good man. And he's going to be a wonderful husband."

"I know."

Mother escorted her from the Stock Pot Inn and to the eastern gate. A small crowd was already gathered just outside: her grandmother, the Curiosity Shop owner (a good friend of Kafei's, though she hadn't had the chance to speak to him much aside from a few hellos), Cremia, Kafei's parents, and a few other townsfolk they both knew and loved. Even the eccentric mapmaker was floating over the ceremony with his trademark red balloon and a handful of confetti.

And beyond them all, in front of the fountains, she could see her groom. This time, he was waiting for her.

Mother squeezed her shoulder and joined the others. Anju took a deep breath. She walked forward.

She was surprised with herself; she was so sure that she would be so nervous on her wedding day, and maybe even a little weepy. The faces that turned to watch her were certainly dew eyed as she passed them. Even Cremia, who never cried, even when she fell from her horse and broke her leg as a child, was sniffling gently as Anju passed.

The mayor and his wife smiled benevolently at her. Their parents still weren't very close, but Anju loved Kafei's family dearly. His mother, especially, was always warm and welcoming when she'd visited over the years. Dotour, though a bit more reserved, was a gentle man. She was beyond happy to have them as in-laws.

And then there was...

Kafei stood at the end of the procession, resplendent in his wedding outfit, which he fit again; whatever spell made him a child for so long had broken when the moon disappeared. His expression nearly made her laugh out loud: he was a mix of being flustered, anxious, surprised, and excited. There was a pink tint to his cheeks that reminded her of the first time they'd kissed.

He reached out for her hand. She took it. His eyes were so warm. Loving.

"You're so beautiful. I love you," he whispered, just for her to hear.

"I love you too."

Kafei lifted her veil, and the wedding ceremony finally began.