No sooner did they get back to the Villa, and text came in… Another dumping. Rian and Rafi sat nervously with the other islanders. They were waiting for the results of the public vote. Rafi’s phone buzzed, making the islanders jump. He looked at Rian and panicked. “Let’s stay positive. We face this together,” Rian said, wrapping one arm around Rafi the other around Seb. The other Islanders took her example until they were a human side hug chain.

Rafi took a deep breath and looked at the phone. “The couple that will leave the island is Bill and Yasmin.” Rian was on her feet, hugging them both before the others could even stand up.

They threw their arms around Rian, gratefully squeezing her back. “Thanks, Rian,” Bill said.

Yasmin leaned back to study Rian, “The universe gives, and the universe takes away. I guess all we can do is learn to embrace it and keep flowing towards the next good thing.”

The other islanders come over and hug them. Finally, Yasmin stepped away. “We should probably get packed.” Bill nodded, wiping a wayward tear from his eye.

“I think I’m gonna go help them pack,” Rian said.

Rafi smiled. “You’re such a softy. I’m sure they will appreciate it.”

Rian entered the dressing room. “Yas.”

Yasmin smiled. “I should have known you’d see us off. It’s just like you. There is something I wanted to say to you anyway.” Rian looked at her curiously, waiting for her to continue. “I know there is something more going on. It feels like you carry a heavy burden that makes you sad.” Rian schooled her face, trying not to panic. “It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it,” Yasmin continued. “The universe has its own plans, and everything will be as it should… I truly believe that. So don’t worry.” Yasmin reached over, tugging Rian into a hug. “You can always talk to me.”

Rian nodded, afraid her voice would give her away if she said anything. Yasmin stepped away, zipping up her make-up case. “I think someone else wants a bit of time before we leave.” Rian turned around to see Bill standing in the doorway with a faint smile on his face. He stepped back as Yasmin slipped out the door.

“Sweet of you to come to say goodbye to us.” He said thickly.

“I had to,” Rian dropped her eyes to the floor.

“Well, if I ever need a partner to put up a tent with, I know who to call,” He said with a quick chuckle.

Rian huffed in amusement. “We made a wonderful team.”

“Yea,” Bill smiled wistfully.

Rian could tell he questioned things, but he didn’t want actually to ask. She smiled, opening her arms, “come here.”

Bill stepped over, accepting her hug. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and pressed his forehead into her own. “I’ll never forget you. “

Rian gently kissed him. It wasn’t a passionate kiss, but a heartfelt one. “I hope you find your happiness, Bill.”

Rian stepped away, and Bill nodded gratefully at her. She understood he couldn’t speak right now. Heading into the bedroom, they caught up with Yasmin. “I think it’s time,” Yasmin said. The others were waiting at the door. Rian hung back so that the other islanders could say their goodbyes. Bill leaned over to whisper something to Rafi, who nodded and clapped him on the back before looking over at Rian.

Yasmin and Bill clasped hands as they walked out of the door and into the dark night.