Short Summary: Protagonist reunites with childhood while cleaning their nostalgic grocery store before its closure. Their bittersweet reunion reveals unresolved feelings, military trauma (Caleb's nightmares), and symbolic connections to hydrangeas ("endless summer"). The overnight stay culminates in tender intimacy before Caleb's departure with a white hydrangea, promising its care in Skyhaven.

Timeline Notes:

Key Lore Information:

• Caleb:
  • PTSD with war sounds in dreams
  • Photographic memory of shared moments (this could be tied to the Photo chip he keeps in his communicator to watch before dying, from Floating Floraletter)
• Symbolism:
  • Hydrangeas ("Endless Summer"): Represent enduring love/wishes vs. fleeting time
  • White Hydrangea: Caleb’s hope for their future, rarity in Skyhaven
  • Fighter Jet (FY-26): Caleb’s career sacrifices and childhood promises

Full Transcrip:

A gentle, warm breeze caresses my cheeks as late spring turns into early summer. The air is imbued with tranquility. I gather my courage and enter the old, familiar grocery store before me. When I was in school, Caleb and I would visit this place every day after class. Now it's empty. Yesterday, I passed by and discovered the owner was preparing to close down this old store. Upon hearing the news, indescribable melancholy washed over me. It's as if some of my cherished memories were about to lose the tangible proof of their existence. So I decided to volunteer and help clean up the store. Outside, the sudden noise of a plane passing by reaches my ear. But I only catch a glimpse of a long contrail. Protagonist: (I wonder what Caleb is doing right now...) Caleb and I haven't seen each other ever since we parted ways in Skyhaven. Occasionally, he sends me short texts. But he vanishes when I bring myself to respond. The counter displays outdated comic books and stationery. Behind the shelves is a door that leads to a garden. Sunlight filters past the half-closed door. There's a distinct beam of light cutting through the dimly lit store. Protagonist: (Even the endless summers here haven't changed...)

Protagonist: Caleb, there's a garden behind this small store! Can you believe it? Look, these hydrangeas are so pretty. Teenage Caleb: Oh, I remember this particular species is called... endless summer. Protagonist: Huh? That's a weird name. Teenage Caleb: It's probably because the flower blooms for a long time. The name represents everyone's wish for a never-ending summer.

Carrying a storage box, I move to the shelves in the back. A few, thick art books are neatly arranged on the top row. Protagonist: (There's so much dust here...) The heavy shelf abruptly creaks. And because of the uneven distribution of weight, it teeters precariously. I push it back to return it to its original spot. Caleb: ... Suddenly, an arm reaches out from behind and effortlessly pushes the heavy shelf back. I quickly turn around. Protagonist: ...Caleb? Caleb: Even if there were three of you, you wouldn't be able to clean this place in time. Caleb slightly lowers his head as he looks at me. Instead of stepping back, he doesn't move. I'm trapped between him and the shelf. A subtle, ineffable awkwardness envelops the air. I struggle to look him in the eye. Dust particles dance in the glaring light. I avert my eyes from it. And in doing so, I avoid Caleb's gaze. Protagonist: Why are you back in Linkon? Caleb: Business trip. And I just happened to be passing by. Protagonist: Oh... What a coincidence. His arm slowly returns to his side. And there's just enough space for me to move away. It's then that I notice he's not wearing a uniform. A small suitcase sits at his feet. I'm reminded of how he used to appear when he returned home for summer break. It's as if he'll be leaving again after a few days. Protagonist: When are you returning to Skyhaven? The question, which escaped me countless times before, slips out once again. However, the passage of time has changed the context surrounding it. And the Caleb standing before me, rendered silent by my words, isn't who he used to be. Caleb: I just got back. You already wanna know when I'm leaving? Protagonist: That's not what I... Caleb: I'm pretty sure you don't live in this neighborhood. So why are you here? Protagonist: If you really want to know... I happened to be passing by. Protagonist: Realizing that the same reason may come across as a lie, I add more to my explanation. Protagonist: I happened to be passing by when I found out the owner was planning to close down the store. I figured I should help out. Caleb: When you were a kid, you were too short to reach the books on the top shelf. How come you still can't get to them as an adult? Protagonist: Okay, but I couldn't reach the second shelf back then. Now it's the one at the very top that's giving me trouble. My tendency to correct Caleb makes him chuckle. He reaches out to tousle my hair— Caleb: Did the shelf grow taller with you? Protagonist: ... The outstretched hand stops moving when it's close to me. Eventually, it reaches past me to grab an art book from the top shelf. Caleb: You still need to finish tidying up this place, right? I'll help you. He pauses for a moment as if he just remembered my question earlier. Caleb: I'll be heading back to Skyhaven tomorrow morning. In the narrow aisle between the shelves, Caleb is behind me. He busies himself. All my thoughts are focused on him, and the incessant cacophony of cicada chirps adds to my restlessness. Protagonist: (I wonder what he's been up to while we were away from each other...) As I put a stack of toys into a cardboard box, a small model fighter jet unexpectedly tumbles to the floor. Caleb: Caleb picks it up first. Caleb: FY-26. Caleb: Protagonist, do you remember how I told you about my first test flight? It was with this plane. Protagonist: Of course I remember. But even before that—

Protagonist: Look at the plane on TV! It's so cool. It flies really fast and zooms past the clouds. Young Caleb: It's the FY-26. Do you like it? I'll be piloting that plane in the future. Protagonist: Will it take you away? Like swoosh and you're gone? Young Caleb: You're so silly, pip-squeak. I'll bring you with me. We'll fly wherever and whenever you want.

Protagonist: This plane is no longer being manufactured. And you've gone from being a pilot to a colonel now. He looks down and places the toy fighter jet into the storage box. Caleb: It doesn't matter what a person's role is. Everyone has moments where they're not in control. Our conversation abruptly ends. Once again, our surroundings are engulfed by a quietness accompanied by loud cicada chirps. Protagonist: Do you feel hot? I'm going to get some soda. Caleb: Go ahead. There's only one bottle of soda left in the cooler by the door. Its vibrant orange color can make anyone think about its delightful sweetness. Protagonist: Caleb, it's so hot today. Can I have some soda?

Teenage Caleb: In your dreams. You said you had a stomachache a few days ago. If I let you have soda and Gran finds out, she'll scold me again. Protagonist: But that was a few days ago. Look, I'm fine! What happened before doesn't matter. I want soda! I. Want. It. Teenage Caleb: Okay, okay. Stop pulling my sleeve. Here. But you only get half a bottle, pip-squeak. Protagonist: Yaaay! You're the best, Caleb!

The cooler's reminder brings me back to reality. I pay for the bottle before the countdown ends. Protagonist: Here you go. Caleb: What took you so long? He turns around. He's holding a box of candies that's wrapped in gaudy, retro packaging. Caleb: I can't believe Quirkies are still being sold. Caleb: I remember you being scared of getting the ones with a weird flavor. You'd grab a Quirky and then put it back down. Protagonist: Kids are always like that... They're brave because of their curiosity. Or they hesitate to try out new things because they're afraid of the unknown. Caleb: There aren't any kids here. Caleb: You want one?

Option A: Protagonist: Caleb and I pick two Quirkies that are the same color. He places the candy in his mouth. Caleb: Hmm... Protagonist: (...It tastes awful!) Protagonist: I grimace. Then our gazes meet before I can look away. Caleb also frowns because of how bad it smells. Suddenly, I remember the funny faces we used to make at each other as kids. Protagonist: ... My tongue is still numb from the bitterness when Caleb gives me the soda. The bottle is cold, yet I can feel his heat. Caleb: Drink. I finish half the bottle in one swig. The sweetness washes over my tongue and erases the lingering bitterness in my mouth. I give him the bottle. I always did that whenever we shared food as kids. Protagonist: Caleb, here... Caleb: ... I stop talking as he takes the bottle from my hand.

Option B **Protagonist: These candies... aren't exactly tasty. Caleb: Since you don't wanna try it, I'll do it. Caleb: Can you pick one for me? I take out a Quirky and hold it. Caleb leans in, his lips brushing against my fingers. Protagonist: How is it? Caleb: It's more bitter and pungent than any medicine I've ever taken. Protagonist: ...Then why did you even bother? You already knew it was bad. He lifts the soda bottle. He opens it, and the straw wobbles. Caleb: Why should I be scared? You already gave me something sweet.