Luke Triton and the Great Farewell –Part 4-

Layton had finalized the papers at last. Luke was transferring out of residence and coming to stay with the professor like he once had, years ago.

The professor stared up at the blue walls. Luke had come over so often back then that he had begun referring to the room as Luke's. It wasn't the guest room; it was Luke's room. It was where Luke lived. So…it was only natural that upon his return, Luke would live there again.

That's what the professor decided, anyway. He nervously arranged and rearranged furniture, hoping it would be acceptable.

Flora entered the room, watching the professor nervously hurry from one corner of the room to the other. "Professor?"

"Y-yes, Flora?"

"How…how is Luke?" she asked hesitantly. "Is he…is he the same as I remember him? Has he grown much?"

"He is…rather different now, Flora," the professor replied. "Don't be too startled. I believe that—" Layton was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. "That must be him."

"Hello, professor," Luke said with a tip of his hat as the professor invited him in.

"Good afternoon, Luke," Layton replied.

"Ah, Flora. How you've grown." Luke took Flora's hand in hers and kissed it politely. "It's been years."

Flora blushed profusely. "Y-yes. H-hello, Luke. You've grown, too." Luke straightened up.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay here, professor," Luke said. "I hope this was not motivated by guilt…."

"Not at all," Layton replied quickly. "I just thought it would be silly for you to waste money on residence when you could just live here and commute with me."

"You're very kind."

"I'm sure you remember your own room…"

"How could I forget?" Luke said as he carried his bags up the staircase. "I have fond memories of this place." He deposited the burden on the bed and sat down, chuckling. "There's so much blue."

"If you don't like it, we could repaint," Layton suggested.

"No." Luke shook his head. "I like it like this."

"Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you. I'm rather fatigued from all the recent moving. Would it be alright if I rested a while?"

"Yes, of course. Please, take all the time you need." Layton tipped his hat and motioned for Flora to exit before him. "I'm sure it's been a long journey for you."

Luke smirked as the professor shut the door. "You have no idea, professor."

The professor knocked on the door gently. "Luke? Are you awake?"

"Come in, professor."

Layton entered. "Are you hungry?"

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Luke returned his attention to the textbook in his lap.

"Do you have a test coming up?" The professor sat on the edge of the bed, indicating the textbook.

"No," Luke replied. "Just studying."

"You're every professor's dream."

"Really?" Luke raised his eyebrows slightly. "I suppose others mustn't have the same work ethic. I do this every day."

"Do you want to go out for dinner? We could go to the restaurant we all used to visit together."

"That place is still open?" Luke asked. "I was sure they had closed."

"No, they've got quite the business going now. Would you like to go?"

"I'm okay. You can take Flora if you're hungry."
"What would you do?"

"Study."

"All work and no play makes Luke a dull boy, you know."

Luke turned the page. "I'm okay with being dull."

"Are you sure? You seem a bit…strange. Are you feeling ill?" Layton reached over and brushed Luke's cheek with the back of his hand.

"Don't touch me!" Luke snapped, swatting the professor's hand away. "I—I'm sorry."

"Luke…"

"Don't look at me like that!" Luke grit his teeth. "Don't pity me."

"I don't pity you, Luke. I just want you to be happy. I thought we could have fun."

"No, I have to study," Luke replied. "I have to be perfect."

"Perfect?" Layton replied, surprised.

"Don't look at me like that!" Luke covered his face with his arms. "Don't—"

"Luke, it's okay." Layton put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "It's me." He could feel Luke trembling under his palm. "I'm here. You don't have to be alone anymore."

"Professor…"