In Sickness and In Health

What to do, what to do...

What's wrong, Marlowe? Need help with stuff around the village?

Oh, Aldo. No, not quite, although I appreciate you offering. I'm just thinking something over.

Can I ask what?

Sure. You see, I received some wonderful news from two good friends of mine recently. But I haven't the faintest idea how to properly congratulate them.

That's great, Marlowe! If there's anything I can do to...

No, no! You've done so much for me already. Besides, this time I want to figure things out for myself for once.

S-Sure, if you prefer. That's some determination you have there. But the offer still stands if you need it, okay?

Thanks, I appreciate it. Everyone here is busy getting things ready, but feel free to go check in on them if you like.

Will do.

Let's see... I think I'll go see Henry first.

......

Everything okay, Henry?

Oh, it's only you. You had me worried there.

A couple I know well are to celebrate a very happy occasion soon. I'm in the middle of preparing a surprise for them.

Actually, Marlowe said the same thing. What's the good news?

You don't know? Terry and Sylvia are getting married.

They are?!

It's hardly a surprise. In fact, considering how long they've been together now I'd say it's about time.

Terry and Sylvia... Feels like it was only yesterday that they first met. I can't believe it.

"Time waits for no man and eventually outruns us all." Although I suppose the wise man who once said that didn't account for those like yourself who seem to never change, ahah!

...Ahaha. Anyway, you said you were putting together a surprise for them just now?

That's right, a secret surprise. They can't know about it, especially Sylvia, or they'll make a big fuss about it.

But it's their big day. One of their biggest! And as their friend, it wouldn't be right if I didn't make a big deal of it. Don't you agree?

I get you. I'm sure I'd feel the same way if my friends back home were getting married. Need a hand with anything?

No, that's all right. This gift should come entirely from me. Why not see if anyone else needs your help?

Okay, will do. But if you change your mind, just say the word. I'll see what Hilda's up to next.

Kyaaa!

An explosion?! Hilda!

*cough* *splutter*

Whew! You're a real dark horse, aren't you?

Guess I shouldn't have worried after all. What kind of explosive are you making?

Oh, Aldo. I can't tell you that, it's secret.

It isn't one of your regular wares, then?

Oh, Aldo. Please. You really think crafting a regular explosive would give me this much trouble?

Don't worry, your curiosity will be satisfied once the wedding's underway.

Okay. Anything I can do for you in the meantime?

No, I'm more than capable of finishing this up myself. Thank you, though.

Hah, that's what everyone around the village's been saying! It's not a bad change, that's for sure.

What about Rebecca? Have you seen her yet?

She completely denies it, but I can tell she's been feeling a little down lately. Women's intuition can pick up on subtle changes like that, you know. It'd be nice if you could see what's wrong.

Of course. All right, let's see if Rebecca's home.

It's strange just how oversized and empty this house feels now. It was like this when I first moved in here by myself, but for some reason this space feels even bigger and emptier now.

I think that's only natural, Rebecca. You're pretty much Sylvia's mom in all but blood, after all.

You think so? I'm not sure I've done enough for her to deserve that label.

Especially now of all times.

Whereas the rest of the village is already preparing her wedding gifts... Here I am, with no clue what I should do for her special day.

Being the country bumpkin that I am and all, I'm no good at thinking up a fancy present, let alone making one.

Hmm...

That's it! I know exactly what you can make for Sylvia that nobody else could!

Something nobody else could make?

Absolutely. How about...

Mm-hmm, I see... That does seem like something she'd be happy with.

Thank you, Aldo! I don't know what I would've done without your help. I'll get started on it right away!

My pleasure, Sylvia. All right, I should get back to Marlowe's. Good luck!

Only a few more hours until the wedding, right?

*sigh* Yes, and the stage fright's setting in. I was thinking I'd have the perfect speech ready by now, but I just...It's hopeless.

It's not, Marlowe. You don't need to be perfect to make Sylvia and Terry happy. You just need to be you. Everyone else is just doing what they can to congratulate them in their own way. That's what you should do too.

Thanks, Aldo. If your offer still stands, will you help me practice until the real thing?

You really are a worrier, huh, Marlowe? Of course, I'm happy to help.

Okay. Well...

*mumble* *mumble*

You'll be fine, seriously. After all that practice, you can't go wrong. And in the end, all that matters is showing how happy you are for them.

You're right. I'm making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. It'll be fine.

My thoughts exactly. Now go get 'em, tiger!

It's almost time already? Egads, even I'm feeling the nerves now!

...All done! The dress fits beautifully. You've really outdone yourself, Henry.

The trouble he must have gone to making this, I can't imagine...

Oh, hush. Everyone is simply overjoyed to be able to get involved in the festivities! All you need to worry about tonight is showing everyone how pretty you look and enjoying every minute of it. Okay?

Now, you sit tight a minute.

She's all done changing. Are you ready?

As ready as I'll ever be.

Great. All right, you two! Come on over!

Oh, you look absolutely stunning, Sylvia! You've got me all jealous now!

It was truly a pleasure to create a piece fit for your special day, m'lady.

Ahem! Without further ado...

Do you, Terry, take this woman, Sylvia, to be your lawfully wedded wife?

I sure do.

Do you, Sylvia, take this man, Terry, to be your lawfully wedded husband?

I do.

If anyone has any reason to object, speak now, or forever hold your peace.

Do you swear to love each other in sickness and in health... 'Til death do you part and for the forever beyond?

I do.

Now, for the rings...

Uh, r-rings? I-I don't have a ring or anything...

I've made a lot of things in my time, but I never stressed over any of them as much as I did these. I hope the sizing's right.

Oh, Rebecca...! *sniffle*

It's perfect.

You can thank me by promising you'll never give her any reason to cry, all right?

O-Of course! On my life, I'll never once make her regret givin' me her hand.

You've grown into a fine young man. Still, no need for acting formal with me. From today, you two are a team. That means you'll laugh and you'll cry together, sometimes because of each other. Things'll get tough, but just remember to stop and take a look around you when they do. You've got your two-man team, sure, but we'll all be here for both of you too.

Oh, Rebecca...! *sniffle*

Wh-When I was all alone with no friends or family to speak of, you didn't hesitate to take me in... A-And then you raised me by yourself and treated me as if I were your own child for all these years... After everything you've done for me, I'm sorry I'm leaving you like this.

But I will always be indebted to you, um... Rebecca... Or, I-I mean, Mom...

Come on, Sylvia. It's hardly farewell when we live so close, is it? But... Knowing how fragile your health is, I admit I'll be worried for you, nonetheless.

Don't worry about me. It's not so bad these days and I won't let it get in the way of village life.

That's my girl. Be good to her, Terry.

I will. You have my word.

That's what I like to hear.

Oh... Oh dear. I think there's something in my eye. I just need a moment.

What's that up there?

A beautiful fireworks display for a beautiful couple! Great job, Hilda.

You've really turned this place into an amazing community, Marlowe.

Only with your help, Aldo. As Horai grows, I hope we'll get to see more happy moments like this too.

I'm sure they did.

I don't know if we'll ever be able to thank everyone enough.

Yeah. We'll have to think of something real special for each of 'em.

Sylvia, this is the happiest day of my life. I can't wait to spend the rest of it with you.

Neither can I, Terry. 'Til death do us part...and beyond.