This post is in response to Reeka’s and CKati’s comments on my previous post. First of all, thank you both for your kind words about my story, and I’m working hard on my next chapter, little by little every day. But what’s aftermath, Reeka? 😛
Anyway, I’m hoping to publish a new chapter this month. 😉 I’ll see how it goes. ^_^
Thank you Reeka for your information about the conversation between Albert and Candy in front of the fireplace, waiting for their clothes to dry. I think your version makes more sense although I still want to know what the original Japanese words are LOL. 🙂 This scene speaks volumes, at least to me. It implies that Albert was aware that Candy had gone to Rockstown. Even Candy had figured out that Albert had sent that parcel to her to “arrange” her to meet with Terry (very likely out of Albert’s unconditional love for Candy, assuming she would be happiest with Terry). Albert must have been surprised at the outcome, if not shocked, that Candy had not reunited with Terry. So after some moments of silence, Albert couldn’t help mentioning Terry’s return to Broadway just to see her reaction. Candy seemed genuinely happy that Terry had finally left that roadside theatre. As Reeka said, it’s obvious Candy was over Terry (TGG? Never used his initials that way. 😛 ). Recalling how miserable Terry had been, Candy didn’t shed any tear this time. In her mind, she realized that time and distance had driven her and Terry apart. In other words, her feelings for this Broadway actor had faded.
Now about her unsent letter to Terry, I think it shows that Candy was either recovering from breakup or had already recovered. Those who aren’t familiar with Candy Candy Final Story (CCFS) probably don’t know that Albert had waited some time (could be months… but I don’t know why) before he made a surprise visit to Pony’s Home to disclose his last secret to Candy (unlike the manga). I’ll write another post one day to discuss the confusing timeline in CCFS. That’s why I think Candy wrote this unsent letter before she knew that Albert was in fact her prince. She said “Albert was veiled in mystery”. My gut feeling tells me that she was wondering about the true nature of her relationship with Albert. She had developed strong feelings for Albert by then, and she got so carried away even when writing to Terry and talked on and on about Albert. 😀
Besides, Candy didn’t mean to send this letter to anyone, and she would likely keep it safely stored somewhere, so as Reeka said, Candy didn’t have to hide her true feelings at all. However, the way Candy ended the letter tells us that Candy was happy. If Candy still had hard feelings or was feeling depressed about the breakup, there’s no way she could write such words about Terry and Susanna. Unless… Candy was lying to herself or trying to convince herself? LOL. I don’t think so of course, and as mentioned by Reeka, I think Candy’s love to Terry had been evaporated.
Reeka, I agree with you that Albert’s revelation to her as Prince on the Hill was a significant milestone to them both, and that’s why Candy cried so much (tears of happiness). Again, this will be another post. 😛
However, I don’t think Albert had romantic feelings towards Candy back in London. Like CKati said, Candy was still very young then, and Albert was totally aware who she was to him. Yes, he had never forgotten that crybaby on the hill, but he had adopted her out of pity or compassion, not love. I believe he didn’t fall in love with her until he had completely lost his memory, and the nurse’s kindness had touched his heart.
CKati, about Terry not finding true love after Candy, I share your sentiments. While I’m convinced that Candy would end up with her prince, Terry deserved a loving partner in his life. Too bad he didn’t even marry Susanna (they remained engaged) although he had stayed by her side till she died from whatever illness. By the time she passed away, if Terry had absolutely no feelings for Susanna, it actually made Terry a cold hearted man, if not cruel. 🙁 Also, this contradicts his character in the manga, where he had indeed cared about Susanna’s feelings (Terry had chosen Susanna over Candy after all). See Ambiguous Letter for what I have said earlier if you like.
As a matter of fact, according to this article, it says that:
There are thus several factors which determine the length of time a person might take to recover from a breakup. In most cases, partners from a fairly serious relationship can expect anything from three to six months – even a year in case of long marriages – to be healed completely. Anymore than that and a person should be seriously looking for help. But then calculations matter little in matters of heart and before long you may find yourself relishing the life of a single and perhaps even enjoying being with someone new.
What do you think? 🙂