Mark stood abruptly, brushing the dust off his jeans. "I'm heading back."
Artur looked up. "Already?"
Mark didn't meet his eyes. "Yeah. Long walk ahead, and I've had enough fresh air for the day."
He turned, paused briefly—eyes flicking toward Billy again. Something unreadable passed across his face.
"See you around," he said, voice low but brittle—like he was already grieving something he hadn't lost yet. Then he turned and left, not daring to look back.
Jay stretched, cracking his neck. "Guess I'm out too. I've got better things to do than babysit farmers."
Billy raised a brow. "You sure? Thought you'd at least try to outtalk Mark before sundown."
Jay smirked. "He's not worth the energy."
Without another word, he followed Mark's path, hands tucked in his pockets.
Silence settled again, this time gentler. The tension had lifted with their departure.
Billy exhaled, turning back to Artur. "They're a lot."
Artur chuckled under his breath. "Always were."
