Seeing how thrilled they were, Halle couldn’t bring herself to tell them she was leaving soon. She didn’t want to dampen their enthusiasm for volunteering in Tanzania.
If only they knew—she wasn’t as strong or brave as they imagined.
When Halle returned to the camp, Captain Howell stopped her.
“Halle!” he called out. “Your transfer application was approved. You can start packing.”
She turned to accept the papers he handed her, meeting his slightly regretful gaze.
“Oh, come on, Captain Howell,” she said, patting his shoulder in a playful attempt to lighten the mood. “It’s not like we’ll never see each other again. Don’t get all sentimental on me!”
Captain Howell, one of the first people to join the station, was now an older man with graying hair that reflected his years of dedication.
“Will we, though?” he muttered softly, almost to himself. Then he shook his head. “Anyway, thank you for sticking it out here for three years. It’s not an easy life,” he said with a sigh. “Your contribution has been a huge help to the team.”
Halle smiled faintly, though guilt tugged at her heart. She didn’t feel nearly as deserving of his praise as he made her out to be.
Third Person's POV
“I’m not that noble. I stayed here all this time… for…”
For Terence.
Halle left the thought unfinished, but they both knew what she meant.
“No matter the reason, this place will always be your second home,” Captain Howell said with a warm smile. “If you ever come back, I’ll throw a grand party just for you.”
Halle chuckled softly but didn’t respond.
Three years had passed, and there was plenty to pack. By the time she had everything ready, the sky was already starting to brighten.
Her ride was waiting downstairs. She took the compass from around her neck and placed it gently on the table.
She had carried it with her for three years, but now that she was leaving Tanzania, it was no longer needed.
Even if she found herself in danger, Terence, thousands of kilometers away, couldn’t come to her aid. Or perhaps by then, he’d be newly married and too preoccupied to think about her at all.
Breaking the last connection between them, Halle picked up her suitcase, walked out the door, and got into the car.
She had arranged for an early departure, knowing her teammates would still be asleep. Apart from that, Halle also hated goodbyes and didn’t want to see tears shed over her leaving.