Augustine fell asleep on the couch after a few too many wines. I stood by him, watching him, and feeling my heart break. I know it's the right decision, but it hurts.

I don't sleep that night. I'm too busy researching divorce lawyers and finding out what the best course of action is.

In all honesty, I'd love to just get a plane straight back to Kanto and sleep. Or I want to wake up and have this be a bad dream, where words don't hurt, and my body works as it should.

Augustine stirs on the couch besides me. He sighs, groans, and opens his eyes. "Ugh..."

"Too much wine?"

"Definitely." He laughs softly.

"I'll get you some water." I get up, grabbing him a glass of water and some painkillers. When I go back to the living room, he's hovering over my laptop.

"I was really hoping it was a bad dream..." Augustine laughs gently.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise." he says. "It's right for us. I wish it wasn't but..."

I nod. "I hope you meet someone who wants what you want."

He nods and looks down. "I'm sorry this couldn't work out. I wish it had."

A few short weeks later, I'm back in Kanto. 29. Back with her parents.

I offered to pay rent, but my mom insisted I stay for free. I wish she'd be harder on me.

And Augustine. I want to go back to him more than ever. I want to be in his arms, feel his warmth, wear his clothes, make love to him again. One wild, irrational part of me told me to go back and offer to partake in any fertility treatments he wanted. So long as we could be together.

But I stayed. Professor Oak's lab doesn't feel like work anymore, as every time I go, it feels more like visiting a childhood location; somewhere you went a lot in the past, and all the memories and feelings and little details you forgot come rushing back.

I remember the places I cried over Daniel's death; where Dawn evolved; where he shook my hand and gave me my diploma. There are so many little things I forgot. Little cracks in the walls I'm sure weren't there before. New photos that didn't exist before.

The worst part is is the internet. People think that what they see online is representative of us, and obviously it's my fault that we aren't together. What hurts the most is all the women suddenly trying to wedge themselves in with him.

I call him. It's a little habit we've fallen into. I know I should fall back out of it, but I can't help it.

"Hey, Eden." his soft, kind, beautiful voice at the other end answers. I wish he'd call me darling, or sweetheart, or my love, like he did before, but I know there's no point in hoping.

"Hi. How are you?"

"Im good. Things are lonely without you."

"I know, I know." I hesitate. "How are you?"

"I'm alright. If one more woman comes into the lab and starts touching my arms and chest, though, Im gonna lose it." he laughs. I love the sound of it. "Like, come on. I'm going through the worst heartbreak of my life. Have a bit of respect."

"Oh, god, I know right? The amount of men suddenly chatting me up is insane."

"Have you seen the article? 'Augustine Sycamore looks rough and haggard following divorce to Eden Bell.' I just didn't shave."

"Oh, sweetie, you should see the hate I get when I have an eyelash out of place. I'm not even looking at what people are saying about me, cos I know it'll upset me."

I hear Augustine him in agreement. I want to climb into this phone and into my old familiar house, my familiar bed, his familiar arms.

"So, you haven't found any other beautiful Kalosian model to take out?"

"Oh, Eden, darling. It'd take someone special to get over you. I miss you so much, so much more than words can say."

I feel my eyes fill with tears. I swallow, trying to get rid of the lump in my throat.

"Dammit, why can't I just want kids? Why can't my stupid ovaries work?"

"Eden, love, don't stress yourself out. There's nothing to be done about it. I want a child. You don't."

"But the thought of you with someone else makes me so nauseous."

"I know. Likewise. But... it's the only way for us to both be happy. Oh, dear, we're both upset now. You should get some sleep, darling. Have a cup of tea, that always calms you down."

"Okay." I regain my composure. "Goodnight, Augustine."

"Goodnight, Eden."