Chapter 49

Morning broke in Hope Valle, bringing with it a mixture of emotions. Cody Stanton and Robert William, now ready to begin their journeys as members of the mount, were brimming with authority and determination. The two young men prepared for departure, their freshly-worn mount uniforms reflecting the commitment they had reinforced.

Robert, however, felt a heaviness in his heart at the thought of the farewell he would have to make. He knew that the river would be the place where he would meet Alien, the woman he loved. As he approached the calm waters, he saw her figure in the distance, fishing rod in hand, but her eyes lost in the current.

- Alien, called Robert, and she turned to face him, her sad eyes reflecting the melancholy he knew so well.

- Robert... Alien murmured, setting the rod aside and walking towards him. Their gazes met, a silent communication unfolding between them.

Robert moved away, and Alien wrapped him in a tight hug, as if he wanted to hold him there forever. He stroked her hair, feeling her heart beating against his.

I'm going to miss you so much," Alien confessed, her voice laced with sadness.

Robert held her face gently between his hands, looking into her eyes with an intensity that reflected all the love he felt.

- Alien, you are my first and only love. This journey I'm starting doesn't mean I'm going to forget you. On the contrary, you will always be in my heart, in every step I take.

Alien's eyes glistened with restrained tears, and she opened Robert's hands against her face.

- I know it's important to you, Robert. I know you have a duty to fulfill. But please... please promise me you'll come back. Promise me that this isn't goodbye, but goodbye. Alien's voice was imbued with emotion, and her words hung in the air like a silent plea.

Robert held her hands firmly, conveying trust and affection.

- I promise, Alien. Nothing will stop me from coming back to you. We'll be together again. This journey is not just mine; it's ours. And when I return, I want us to be ready to face the future together.

Alien's lips curved into a trembling smile, his eyes conveying a mixture of love and sadness.

- I'll wait for you, Robert. And while we're apart, I'll hold in my heart the promise of your return.

Robert stroked Alien's face expertly, memorizing every contour.

- You are the light that will guide my steps, even on the darkest nights. No matter the distance, we will always be connected.

Robert gently held Alien's hands between his, looking deep into her eyes.

- Alien, I want you to take care of yourself while I'm away. Take care of your heart, your dreams. Finish your last year of school with all the brilliance I know you have. You're strong, intelligent and capable of achieving everything you want.

Alien nodded, but a solitary tear escaped from her eye. Robert dried the tear with his inquiry and continued:

- I promise I'll write to you as often as possible. I want to know every detail of your life, your achievements and challenges. And whenever I get the chance, I'll visit you. No matter how long I'm gone, you'll be with me in every thought.

- Robert... Alien whispered, her voice laced with emotion.

- Alien, the love we share is a powerful force. Even if we are physically separated, our bond will remain unbreakable. Believe in yourself, just as I believe in you. We'll face this together, wherever we treat each other.

Alien's eyes shone with a new-found determination.

- I'm going to try, Robert. I promise you that I'll study, that I'll finish with honors and that, when you come back, you'll be proud of the woman I've become.

Robert smiled, gently kissing Alien's forehead.

- I'm already very proud of you, Alien. I'll look forward to the day when we're together again.

With those words, Robert and Alien embraced once more, sealing their promises of love and support, he kissed her forehead, and even though he knew they were both young, Robert already had it in his heart that as soon as he returned, he would marry this beautiful girl. Alien was his first and only love, he realized that he was a fulfilled man, just as Jack Thorton had found his soul mate, Robert was now sure that he had also been blessed by finding his soul mate. The river bore witness to the parting, but also to the certainty that, although separated by the moment, their hearts remained united.

Alien nodded, his eyes meeting Robert's in silent agreement. They knew that time and distance could test the strength of any love, but what they shared went beyond the limitations of the outside world.

As the sun continued to rise in the sky, illuminating the landscape around the river, Alien and Robert found themselves there, lost in each other's feelings. The soft murmur of the water bore witness to the promise of love that would transcend the boundaries of time and separation.

Cody and Robert's departure for the Mountie battalion would be a challenge, but the flame of love that was born between Robert and Alien would remain burning, lighting their way even in the darkest hours. Fate led them down different paths, but the bond they shared was indestructible.