One day you’ll realise why.

Elle let a long silence fill the space between them before making her decision. ‘I think we should go back to Portsoy. I know it holds a lot of sad memories for you, but I think it’s time you stopped your own ghosts holding you back.’

After an even longer silence, Gran’s words were quiet, and filled with emotion. I allowed my guilt and sadness to destroy any chance I might have had to find my family again. I punished myself for all those sins people blamed me for as a child, and allowed them to keep me alienated from where I truly belonged. I lost so many precious moments in my life because of it. You’re right. It’s time to stop being angry at myself and the past.

‘Will you be happy there, Gran?’

Darling, I’ll be happy wherever I am. I’m home again. That’s all that matters.

‘Will you still … be around?’ Elle asked hesitantly. As strange as all this was, it was hard to imagine life without Gran being with her anymore.

Not like this. We’ve reached the end of our little adventure.

‘What are you talking about?’

Our quest is over.

‘Our quest?’ Elle scoffed. ‘Gran, seriously, you are such a drama queen.’

She heard her gran’s soft chuckle and a wave of grief rolled over her. Gran was saying goodbye. For real this time. ‘I don’t think I’m ready.’

Yes, you are, darling. You don’t need me anymore.

‘I’ll always need you,’ Elle said brokenly.

You’ve got your life to live. It’s time you went out and lived it. No more hiding. No more stalling. Go and find your purpose.

Gran knew her better than she even knew herself. ‘I love you, Gran.’

And I love you, my beautiful, talented darling. Thank you for giving me the most wonderful gift I could ever ask for.

Elle felt the gentle stir of a breeze against her skin and closed her eyes against it.

It’s time, she heard Gran say, and then the breeze was gone, and the soft chirp of birds in the trees was the only sound that remained.

‘Goodbye, Gran.’

With one last look around her, Elle farewelled the castle and walked slowly back to the four-wheel drive.

When she reached the house, her car was parked out the front and her bags had been placed in the back. A note on the windscreen made her hesitate briefly before she reached for it.

I can’t say goodbye again. If you change your mind, the front door is open. S.

Elle wiped her eyes and took a deep breath, tucking the note into the pocket of her jeans and opening the car door. She wished things could be different—she wished she could be someone who could be happy with the easiest road instead of the right one.