Both kids stood side by side, watching the sun sink slowly beyond the horizon. The sky burned gold, then softened into violet. Emery turned her head, her quiet gaze resting on him.
"Cal," she asked softly, "what's your type?"
Cal blinked, startled by the sudden question. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"You know… the person you'd want to marry someday."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I dunno."
"Then marry me," Emery said, her voice filled with childlike excitement.
"What??"
"Let's get married when we grow up!"
Cal stared at her. He had never thought of marriage before; to him, Emery was simply his best friend. But seeing the way her eyes shone, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
"…Sure," he said at last.
And with that, the promise was sealed by the sunset.
---
Years later, they met again at the same spot. The same lighthouse in the distance. The same horizon. But it wasn't the same.
"I'm leaving."
The words knocked the air from Emery's chest. "What?"
Cal gripped the strap of his bag tightly. "I got a job offer in the city. Emery, this is everything I've been dreaming of. I can't waste this chance."
Her expression flickered through surprise, disbelief, then a quiet dread. "Cal… I told you already, didn't I? You can't keep pulling pranks like these-"
"This isn't a joke," he cut in, his voice sharp. "You know I've always wanted to explore the world. This is the start."
Emery's throat tightened. "And what about me? What am I supposed to do without you here? You're the only one I can talk to-"
"I can introduce you to Jonathan," Cal interrupted again, desperate now. "He can keep you company, and then... Then you and I can still see the world together like we promised."
Her voice cracked. "Cal… the only promise I ever wanted to keep was staying by your side."
"Then come with me!" His voice rose, trembling with a childish hope he still carried. "Let's make memories across the world. Let's face every hardship together. Please, don't just stay here."
Emery lowered her head. The floor beneath her feet suddenly felt heavier than stone. The thought of stepping beyond this town filled her chest with unease. A quiet panic that she never had the courage to name.
"I…" she whispered. "I can't. I'm sorry, Cal. No matter where we go, nowhere will ever feel like home to me but here. Even if it looks like a dream, I'll still feel like I'm lost. This is the only place I can breathe."
Cal's face fell, though he forced a smile. "I understand… Then, at least, let me write you letters."
"I'll be fine even if you don't." Her voice tried to sound strong, but the tremor gave her away.
He nodded once, then turned his back to her. "I hope you live a good life, Emery."
She watched as each step carried him farther away, his figure shrinking into the horizon. Just like the first sunset.
Her hands tightened at her sides. We promised to marry when we grew up… Not just to stay in this town. Not just to chase the world. We promised each other.
But the boy who once said "sure" without hesitation no longer stood beside her.
---
Now there was only the sea breeze, the lighthouse, and Emery's voice caught in her chest.
"…How could you, Cal?" she whispered.
She closes the envelope, one of Cal's recent letter before placing it into a basket, which was filled with letters. Emery remained at the window of the Lighthouse Café, waiting.