Luke Triton and the Great Farewell –Part 4-

Gradually, both Luke and Layton grew used to living together. It had been a rocky start, of course, but they managed to overcome their difficulties. Finally, it was beginning to feel like an earlier time. The professor found he had a new spring in his step, feeling more youthful than he had for years.

"Professor! Luke!" Flora called after they had finished lunch one afternoon. "Luke! Professor!"

"Enjoy your outing?" Layton asked, standing as she entered the kitchen. He tipped his hat politely. "Care for a sandwich? Luke seems to have become quite the expert in—"

"Professor!" Flora exclaimed breathlessly. "I won!"

"Won?" Layton repeated. "You won what?"

"The raffle!" she replied, beaming. "I won the raffle! I got the grand prize!"

"Congratulations," the professor replied, clapping her on the shoulder. "No one could have deserved it more."

"Yes," Luke said, rising. "Congratulations, Flora." He offered her a slight smile, which she blushed and turned away from. "What did you win?"

"I, er, I won some tickets to a resort. I thought we could go there for the winter break, if you two aren't busy…"

"That sounds wonderful!" the professor said. "But are you quite sure you want to waste the prize on us? Haven't you got a beau you'd rather spend the time with…?"

"P-professor! Honestly!" she exclaimed, face darkening from pink to red. "D-don't joke about that!" She pointedly shoved a ticket at each man.

"I wasn't joking," the professor replied, surprised. "But if you're sure, it sounds like a great plan." He took the offered slip and examined it. "Ah! I know where this is. It has lovely scenery."

"T-then, if you aren't busy, can we go this weekend?"

"Are you finished your studies?"

Flora fidgeted. "Erm…"

"That's no good, Flora. You should finish your work before you play." Layton frowned. "What about you, Luke?"

This seemed to rouse Luke from his thoughts. "Hm? Oh, I finished them ages ago."

"Well, as long as you finish, Flora, it should be fine," the professor said. "Luke, perhaps you could help her?"

"Sure…" Luke replied absentmindedly, eyes glazed over in distant thought.

"Luke?" Flora said, touching his arm. Luke jumped, startled. He adjusted his hat.

"S-sorry. I wasn't paying attention. You need help studying? Just give me your lecture notes and I can show you what to do."

"Lecture notes…" Flora said as they exited the kitchen. "About those…"

"What? You don't have any?"

The professor finished the last of his tea, contemplating what had just happened. Luke had slowly been reverting back to his old self, though perhaps as a slightly more anxiety-prone incarnation. He would often catch the boy staring off into space, a serious look playing across his features. Though the professor was curious, he could never bring himself to ask what Luke was thinking about. He didn't want to overstep the sort of invisible boundary they had set for themselves after that first day.

[Insert asterisk indication of passed time here]

"This is amazing," Flora breathed, staring up at the wooden cabin before them. Puffs of mist hovered in the air around the group as they shivered their way into their room.

"It certainly is cold," Luke remarked, blowing on his hands. "Is that why they were giving the trip out as a raffle prize?"

"Resorts are more fun in the winter!" Flora replied, running to the window the moment they closed the heavy door. "Just look at all the snow—it's glorious!"

Luke glanced outside. "It is rather impressive."

"Now, Luke," the professor said. "People go on vacations for the company and the relaxation. A little bit of cold can't hurt a gentleman's spirit."

"Ah, my apologies. I wasn't complaining. I was just shocked at the early season change."

"'Everyone always talks about the weather, but no one ever does anything about it'," Flora quipped.

"Well said, Flora. I can see Luke's study session held some use for you," the professor said approvingly.

"Yes, professor! He's a wonderful teacher," Flora agreed.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he had my job in a few years." The professor chuckled.

"Oh! Professor, look!" Flora suddenly spotted a brochure on the coffee table. "It says they have hot baths. I've never been to one of those—do you mind if we go?"

Layton read over the description. "It sounds delightful. I've never been on a rooftop spring. Now, Luke. Would you like to join Flora and me to the baths?"

"No, thank you. I have a last bit of reading to catch up—" Luke began.

"Come on, Luke. You need a bit of rest, I think. It'd be good for you," Layton said, concerned.

"It's really fine, professor."

"Come now, my boy, how can you not want to enjoy a hot bath surrounded by such a picturesque village?"

"It's even on the roof, Luke!" Flora added. "Isn't that amazing?"

"I—I'll—" Luke tried to protest, but knew he had been defeated. "As you say, professor, Flora. I suppose I should take a break."

"Good. Shall we proceed, then? I'm afraid our trek here made me a bit chilly." The professor shook the snow from his shoulders, then turned back to the door.

"Oh, yes! I can't wait!" Flora skipped after him, leaving Luke to follow unwillingly behind.

"This will certainly be an adventure," Luke said at length. "Make sure you don't fall, Flora."