An unexpected visit

I have finished the roof and the doorway to my house, maintenance completed on the hut. What remains is the larder - I will have to look at that beam under the ceiling, I believe I saw dry rot upon it as I arrived back home. But this will have to wait.

Today... I had a guest. It was the man that I've invited to my house, whom I have mutually shared histories and pasts with. The one who left without a word.
Even though I have learned his reason, to hear it from his own lips brought me joy and peace further. And to hear an apology felt right. Because the apology itself was right. Not for leaving - he had to and both of us knew it. He apologised for not leaving me with a word of his travel, even though he had a good reason for it - and I find the reason as good as he did: I would have offered to help and would have likely succeeded in convincing him. But this travel was his alone to take, not mine, not anyone else's. I know and accept this - and this is why the apology meant so much. He did not seek excuses, did not assume that his ends justified the means.

And that I can respect.

I forgave him already, but to see him again brought joy and emotion to me. I could see that seeing me again did the same to him and eventually, his words confirmed that. We drank tea and we spoke. Shared words, hopes and desires with one another, like we did before he had left.
To know I have been on his mind during his arduous journey have made me feel a little tingle of hope and joy.

We shared much that evening, but the most importantly, we share a path. One of hope and curiousity. Neither of us is certain yet what do we wish this path to lead towards, but what is important is that we tread it together. For now, we walk it side by side and it brings warmth to my heart.
I hope that I have found in here what Dunland could not give me. A soul to match mine with. Whether that comes to pass, time will tell. I shan't keep the man hostage, I shan't demand a promise. The most meaningful gifts are those freely given.
For now, he chose to
His gift, for the time
We walk together, as long

I do not know how to finish this entry. It is for myself, and yet I lack words, from all the joy and the hope I have been presented with.
And that shall have to do.