For the first time since being found by Ib, Garry, and Roy, Mary felt like she was finally at home where she belonged. Despite the knowledge that she was merely a painting come to life, she was happy, and so was Roy. They were grateful for Ib and Garry, who helped them every step of the way. The wound she had inflicted on Roy's cheek had now scarred over, and while it was a constant reminder of what she had done, Roy paid it no mind. He was always so kind to her, and when they embraced, he did so tenderly and affectionately. On the other hand, they were still shy around each other, and had not kissed; they had come close several times, but for some unknown reason, one or the other would back out at the last second.

As for Garry and Ib, their relationship was somewhat slow as well, but that was normal for them, considering it took them ten years to finally establish it. They had legitimized their relationship in the middle of summer, but now it was near Christmastime and they had not even shared their first kiss. They told each other they loved one another frequently, and there were several times Garry had wanted to kiss her, but he was not certain how she would react. He did not want her to feel as if they were moving too swiftly. On the other hand, Ib was completely amazed by Garry; he had always been astounding to her, but for some reason he seemed even more so now. Her parents were happy that the two were together, as were their friends. Whenever Ib was with Garry, she was the happiest person in the world. She found her cheeks cramping from smiling so much, as did he. To her, the times she enjoyed the most was simply lounging around his apartment in sweat pants and a t-shirt or tank-top (to Garry, that was when she was the most beautiful), and Garry the same. It was during those times they could really connect. Sometimes, she would fall asleep leaning on his chest, which was when she slept the best. When she did this, he would simply let her sleep until it was time for her to return to her parents, and even then he would carry her around so she would not wake up.

Naturally, as every couple does, they would have arguments every once in a while, but they were always about petty things. In no time at all, they were hug, make up, and go on as if they never had the argument at all. As often as they could, they would go on double-dates or have movie-night with Mary and Roy, and those times were adventurous and pleasurable as well.

Christmas Day arrived, and Ib's parents invited Garry, Mary, and Roy over for celebration. Ib's family truly enjoyed their company, which was a great thing since they all had such strong ties in friendship. Ib was happy that her parents included her friends and Garry. Garry had gotten Ib a new pair of purple sweat pants, which she was enthralled over, and a silver penguin necklace (penguins were her favorite animal). Her gift to him was a watch and a new wallet (his was nearly falling apart) that had the photo she had taken of the group before Allen and Nora moved away. On that day, they also received a phone call from Allen and Nora wishing them a merry Christmas and exchanging news. Nora's parents were on the mend, but it would still be time- perhaps not at all- before they could even consider moving back. Indeed, they were missed, but Ib, Garry, Mary, and Roy were proud of them for being such amazing people. Another great event happened on Christmas. One of the gifts from Roy to Mary was perhaps the best one of them all. Outside Ib's house, the snow falling all around them and both of their cheeks scarlet, he gently kissed her for the first time. Ib and Garry were delighted at the sight.

That night, however, their bliss came to an abrupt halt.

On his way back to his apartment from Ib's house, Garry was involved in a traffic accident. At a four-way intersection, he was t-boned by another driver, who never even stopped for a second. The driver who had t-boned him only had a sprained wrist and a busted lip; Garry's condition was grim.

Ib could not remember the ride her parents gave her to the hospital. By the time they got there, Roy, Mary, and Garry's cousin Shane were already there. All of their eyes were red and puffy, but they knew that Ib was far worse than they were. The doctors had done all they could for him; it was up to Garry. The doctors also informed them that his left leg was severely injured, and that he perhaps may never gain full movement of it. At this moment, Ib recalled the dream she had when Garry had first moved back. Now, it seemed so real; perhaps it was not occurring the same way, but the imminent threat was there. When she walked into the room to see Garry, she could not help but burst into tears. Never had she wanted or expected to see him that way, and it tore her heart into pieces.

She decided that she would be there for him through it all. The moment he was to awaken from his coma, her face was going to be the first one he saw. Every day, she would talk to him, read to him, and keep him up-to-date on current events. Shane stayed often as well to help her, but he felt as though he was in the way. Ib took such great care of Garry, and due to this, Shane had no doubts of her love for him.

Eight days later, Garry finally opened his eyes. And sure enough, Ib's face was the first one he saw. Weakly, he smiled at her and held her hand as she wept tears of happiness and relief.

As expected, healing was a long process. Garry would have several new scars on his body, the most prominent one on his face above his right eyebrow. He did not mind, however, since he was happy to just be alive. Despite the news about his leg, he kept a smile on his face and would give it his all every day, all the while Ib by his side. Roy, Mary, Shane, and Ib's parents helped out as well, and nearly every day he would get a phone call from Nora and Allen checking on his progress. While Ib and Roy were at school, Mary and Shane took care of Garry. Unable to lift Garry off the bed, Ib and Mary had Roy and Shane escort him to the bathroom. His teaching career at the high school had to be put on pause, of course; a substitute took his place, and often she would report that his students missed him dearly and asked about him every day.

Bittersweet news was given nearly three weeks later. Still at the hospital, the doctors informed him of a treatment center nearly 800 miles away that could give much better rehabilitation for his leg than what could be offered there. If he decided to go, he would leave two days later, and he would be gone until treatment was complete, which could take months.

Garry looked at Ib, his eyes full of perplexity and concern. "What should I do?"

Ib raised an eyebrow, confused by the question. "What do you mean?"

He looked away from her. "…I'll be gone for a long time, Ib."

"I know that."

"You can't come with me. You have school to worry about."

Ib looked down at her folded hands in her lap. "I know that, too…"

Garry glanced at her and noticed she was wringing her hands. He reached out and held them. "I can stay. I don't have to go." Ib gave his hand a gentle squeeze and locked her eyes onto his. All she could manage to do was shake her head, giving Garry his answer. At this, Garry turned his head and looked out the window at the sunshine. He took a deep breath, which hurt him since some of his ribs had been broken in the crash. "Would you wait for me?"

"Hmm?"

"…Would you wait for me?" he asked again, turning his head and looking into her eyes. "I don't know how often I can keep in touch, and this may put our relationship to the test. What I want to know is if you'll wait for me."

Ib blinked, still confused by the question. "I'm not sure what you're asking, Garry."

Garry made a peculiar half-smile. "I'm asking if you will still love me, Ib."

At this point, she found herself unable to answer his question. This did not clear the confusion any better than before. Why on earth was he wondering that? Why was he scared of losing her? She had stayed by his side through the entire event, despite the heartbreak and her fears of losing him. She wanted to prove her love to him, to reassure him that she was still his regardless of the circumstances and the distance. The silence that lasted after his question made Garry's heart nearly break. To hide this, he turned his head and looked out the window again. How could he ask that of her? It was incredibly insensitive of him, and he regretted asking it. Ib forced back her tears; she felt terrible, and she was not certain as to why she could not answer his question. She loved him dearly, that was the truth. They sat there in silence until it was time for Ib to go home.

Two days later, friends filled Garry's hospital room to see him off. With a faint fear in his heart, for he was going alone, Garry managed to keep a smile on his face to encourage his loved ones. That was what he had always done; no matter what he was going through, he would hide his true feelings and be there for everyone else. Roy wheeled Garry outside to the van that was to transport him, everyone else following behind. One of the doctors opened the van door, and just as Roy started to lift Garry up, Ib felt an odd feeling in her chest. She was scared. She had to tell him now, for she was certain of the answer to his question from two days before.

"Garry!" she called out. With Roy as support, they turned around, Garry looking into Ib's eyes. "I have the answer… Of course I'll wait for you," she spoke. "You promised that we would do this together, didn't we?" Garry nodded. Despite everyone's eyes being on them, Ib gathered the courage and walked in closer to him, closing the distance between them. Because he was considerably taller than she was, she had to stand up on her tiptoes. Their lips were so close together that Ib could feel Garry's body heat, but they were not connected yet. Both their hearts beat out of their chests, and it was as if Garry could scarcely breathe. "Then, let me make a promise to you. I promise that I will wait for you… that I'll be here, always."

Garry closed his eyes and bowed his head to where their foreheads were touching. A smile spread across his face, for the answer was just what he was hoping for. "…I am glad."

At this, Ib closed her eyes and pressed her lips gently against his. Garry reached up and placed a hand on her cheek, allowing the feeling of this moment and Ib's soft lips on his to sink in. After a few seconds, Ib pulled away from him then smiled, which he reciprocated with his own. Their first kiss was ever so bittersweet, but it was then that they realized how much they loved each other. Ib's mother and Mary had tears falling down their faces, for they truly felt for Ib. Ib's father gave his wife's hand a gentle squeeze as Roy helped Garry into the van. Before the door was shut, Garry smiled at them and thanked them for everything. Then, they watched them drive Garry away, and for a few moments, nothing was said. Ib stood motionless and the same spot, not uttering a sound.

"…Was this all right?" Roy asked Ib.

Ib smiled, one lone tear falling from her right eye. "You bet it was."

Roy walked up to her hand put a hand on her shoulder. "Now what?"

"We just wait," she replied. "I'll stay here and do what I can. I was thinking about picking up the guitar and learning to play it. I have to do something to make him proud of me, and just sitting around isn't going to do that."

Roy smiled as Mary walked up and wrapped her hand around Ib's.

"I see," Mary spoke. "Well, we'll have to help you along the way then… just like you helped us."

"Exactly," Roy agreed. "We're here, too, Ib."

Ib looked at them and smiled. What lie ahead was certain to not be easy, but she was prepared to endure it all for him.