Heheh. Hi everyone. I'm really sorry that this update took a thousand years to happen... I do read each and every one of your reviews though and they seriously make me smile! I swear, I'm going to get better at updating this thing! I'll start writing more soon, all for you beautiful people, because I love all of you. This story broke 100 reviews, and that just makes me melt with happiness. Thank you all. I hope you enjoy this next prompt.

Prompt Word #17: Gone

Garry tried watching TV, but nothing could hold his interest. He tried reading books, but the paragraphs just weren't making any sense. He attempted drawing, but his pencil just wouldn't do what he wanted. He played music, but all he heard was sound. Nothing could get his mind off of Ib.

Ib had gone on vacation out of town with her parents. And ever since she left, Garry felt like anything he did by himself wasn't as enjoyable as it had been with Ib. She'd been gone for roughly a week, though to Garry, it was almost like an eternity. Her trip was pretty much over, in fact, they were probably on their way home right now.

Even so, it still weighed down on Garry's heart. He felt lost without her.

Letting out a sigh, Garry gathered his things and set out to the cafe he had always frequented. He hadn't gone there since Ib left, and he figured that when Ib finally came home, he'd treat her to some macaroons as a welcome back present.

He made his way inside and walked up to the counter and ordered six macaroons, three of which were strawberry. Ib really liked the strawberry ones. The woman behind the counter was one that Garry had seen often. He didn't know her name or anything, but he came here frequently enough to make occasional small talk with her.

"Haven't seen you in a while," she remarked, reaching into the display case with a pair of tongs to retrieve the pastries he requested. "Where's your little friend?"

"She's out of town," he replied, hanging his head slightly. "But she should be back within an hour or so."

"No wonder you seem so bummed," she said, frowning. Then she quickly looked both ways and whispered to him, "don't tell my boss or anything, but I'm gonna give this to you half price, okay? You just seem really down."

Garry forced a smile, "you're too kind. Thank you very much." The lady smiled at him, a light blush spreading across her cheeks.

With macaroons in hand, Garry thanked the woman a second time and headed back to his apartment, setting the bag of pastries on his coffee table. From there, he fell on his couch, and glanced at his wrist watch. It was almost noon. His eyes focused on the second hand as it counted down. When would she be home?

A knock at his door made Garry sit up so fast, his head nearly rolled off his shoulders. He nearly tripped over his feet when he rolled off the couch to answer the knock. His hand rested on the doorknob and slowly opened it.

"Hi Garry!" Ib's cheerful voice and smiling face greeted him on the other side. "I'm home!"

Garry felt weak in his knees and fell to the ground. His eyes were level with hers and tears threatened to pour from them, but he kept them at bay. Instead, he smiled back at Ib, noticing her face was reddened, possibly sunburnt.

"Welcome home," he whispered, trying to regain his composure. "Did you have a good trip?"

Ib nodded and reached into her pocket, "yeah! I got you something, too! But you gotta close your eyes, okay?"

Garry looked at her suspiciously, and then finally closed his eyes. Ib ordered him not to peek, and when he assured her he wasn't, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Garry felt something like a necklace about his shoulders, but still kept his eyes closed. He could hear Ib's frustrated grumbles as she fumbled with the clasp, he supposed. After some time had passed, Ib pulled away from him.

"Okay, you can look now," Ib instructed. Garry opened his eyes and looked down at the charm that hung from a silver chain that was around his neck. It was a pendant of a blue rose with a red stone embedded in the center.

"Wow. That's magnificent. Thank you so much, Ib," Garry said, wrapping his arms around the girl. She returned his embrace. "I'll wear it always."

She smiled at him, "it's custom made, so don't lose it! I have one too." Her tiny hand went around the silver chain that peeked from her collar and she tugged it out of her shirt. Hers was the same thing, but it was a red rose with a blue stone. Garry grinned, tucking the pendant under his shirt. He finally stood up and gestured her inside.

"I got you a little welcome home present," he said, pointing at the bag on the table. "I know how much you love strawberry macaroons..."

And there you have it! It's kind of late, so I don't have many closing remarks, but I hope you liked it. I promise I'll get to the rest as soon as I possibly can! Take care!