Stephen and Arthur rode their horses slowly, one in front of the other, along the mountain path.

  The tragic events had dampened their spirits, and they rode in silence, lost in their own thoughts.

  Raphael was gone, taking the bodies of his wife and child with him.

  He was in a terrible state, like a man without a soul, dazed and blank.

  Stephen and Arthur were worried about him, fearing he might do something drastic.

  Arthur suggested accompanying him to bury his loved ones and then escorting him to Saint Denis, but Raphael refused.

  He said he wanted to be alone with his wife and child for a while and assured them he wouldn't do anything foolish. Stephen and Arthur watched him leave on his own.

  Before parting, Stephen gave him his address and told him to reach out if he needed anything.

  After seeing Raphael off, Stephen and Arthur began their ride back to Horseshoe Overlook.

  "Sigh," Arthur suddenly sighed, breaking the silence.

  Stephen turned to see Arthur holding a letter, a troubled expression on his face.

  "Hey, what's got you so engrossed? Love letter from an old flame?" Stephen joked, trying to lighten the mood.

  But to his surprise, Arthur didn't deny it. Instead, he sighed again.

  "No way! Did I actually guess right?" Stephen exclaimed, astonished.

  He hadn't expected the stoic Arthur to be so involved.

  "It's complicated," Arthur began, unsure how to explain.

  "No worries, take your time. We've got plenty of it," Stephen reassured him, willing to listen.

  "Her family didn't approve of us being together, so we had to separate. She eventually got married, and I thought we'd never hear from each other again."

  "But a few days ago, right before we left, I suddenly received this letter from her."

  Arthur's voice was filled with sadness, and Stephen could see the lingering affection in his eyes.

  "How would she know you were in Valentine and be able to send the letter?" Stephen asked, puzzled. "Aren't you guys trying to lay low?"

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  "She said in the letter that she's been in Valentine recently and recognized the girls from the gang while they were in town. She knows a lot of our people."

  Arthur sounded troubled. "I didn't really want to see her. She has a family now; it's not right for her to get involved with someone like me."

  "But then I saw Raphael..."

  "He'll never see his love again, but I still have a chance..."

  Stephen watched Arthur, his hand clenching the letter so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

  Looking at Arthur's inner turmoil, Stephen suddenly saw him in a new light.

  It was a strange feeling.

  He had always thought of the Van der Linde gang, especially gunslingers like Arthur, as ruthless and decisive.

  But over time, with Lenny, Hosea, and now Arthur, he'd seen otherwise.

  They had their own lives, their own personalities, and their own struggles.

  They could be ruthless, sure, but they were also capable of kindness.

  Like Lenny's patience and gentleness with Sam's nephew.

  Like Hosea's wisdom and humor when consoling Mrs. Sadie.

  Like Arthur's bravery and selflessness in helping Raphael.

  They weren't just the cool and reckless cowboys and outlaws from stories; they were real people.

  "If you want to go, then go,"

  Looking at Arthur, Stephen said with a smile, "Don't live with any regrets, brother."

  "I don't know what happened between you two, but I can tell you still love her."

  "But...I don't know how to face her," Arthur said, anxious. "We're not the same people we used to be."

  Stephen chuckled. "How else are you supposed to face her? Don't overthink it. The moment you stand in front of her, you'll know what to do."

  "That's it, we're heading to Valentine right now. Then I'm going to take you to get cleaned up, and you can go see your old flame first thing tomorrow morning."

  Seeing Arthur still looking unsure, Stephen slapped his horse on the rear.

  "Let's go! Stop hesitating! Hesitation is defeat. A man's gotta be decisive, my friend!"

  Encouraged by Stephen, Arthur finally mustered the courage to go see his old love.

  They rode hard, reaching Valentine in two days.

  After dropping their horses off at the stable, Stephen dragged Arthur to the general store.

  "Hey boss, bring out your best clothes!" Stephen shouted to the listless shopkeeper as they walked in.

  "Is all this really necessary? I think this outfit looks fine,"

  Arthur said, amused by Stephen's enthusiasm.

  "You don't get it, man. New clothes are for moments like these."

  Stephen picked out a nice-looking black suit and sized it up against Arthur, nodding in satisfaction.

  "That's it, those few pieces. Now you should head to the hotel across the street for a good shower and a good night's sleep. Rest up, and then go see her first thing in the morning."

  Arthur shook his head at the new clothes in his arms. "Do we really have to make such a big deal out of this?"

  "Of course! Gotta make a good impression, maybe you'll rekindle the old flame, eh?"

  Stephen put his arm around Arthur as they left the general store. "You tend to overthink things."

  "You know, our situation doesn't allow me to keep things simple." Arthur said with a sigh, "We have Pinkertons and cops after us."

  "That's why I say you think too much,"

  Stephen dismissed it. "Aren't you guys already hiding? Lay low for a while and then retire. This is a golden opportunity!"

  "You robbed so much money in Blackwater, even split among everyone, it'd be a pretty penny. You could take that money and run away with her!"

  "Even if she's married now, so what? Don't forget you're a cowboy, are those guns for show?"

  "Just imagine, the two of you find a scenic and secluded place, living out your days in peace."

  "I know a few good spots. Hawaii is a great one, the beaches are beautiful and not too crowded."

  Stephen painted a vivid picture of the beaches of Hawaii, while Arthur looked at him with a complex expression.

  After a long pause, he said with some difficulty, "That money's gone. We left it behind in Blackwater..."