Author's Note: This is the final chapter (which turned out to be more of an epilogue really) and the end of my first multi-chapter fic! A huge thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, followed and favorited the story. Your feedback and encouragement was amazing and so appreciated. I would especially like to thank teh-Sara, pani zagloba, se34201, liam, eyeon, AdulterousWhore, Aurora1020, KaydenceRei, kab16, CarolynneRuth, Elsa-Rose, tia8206, makealist, ILoveNeil, Korydwen, justawriter, Northern Wolf, FabyGinny05, S, and Kasey22 for taking the time to leave reviews. Here's hoping for good things for Sawyer and Juliet in season 6! And if that doesn't happen, I just might have to take eyeon's idea of writing a 1,082 chapter fic detailing each day of their three years together! ;)

Day Fourteen

The sub was scheduled to leave at 8 am. Between hangovers and Daniel's imminent departure, it was a somber morning at the house. After a quick breakfast, Juliet, Sawyer, Daniel, Miles and Jin all headed down to the dock, Daniel clutching his small pack filled with the few belongings he had.

The dock was bustling with activity - people milling around, supplies being loaded, Dharma vans rumbling in the background. Juliet, Sawyer, Jin and Miles waited on the shore as Daniel went to check in on the passenger list. Afterwards, he returned back to them. "Well, goodbye, I guess…" he trailed off.

Sawyer gave him a hearty handshake. "Good luck, Dan."

Daniel nodded in farewell and then turned to Juliet. She gave him a hug, squeezing him tightly. "Take care of yourself, Daniel." She pulled away and looked up at him. "Keep in touch if you can. We'll be right here if you need anything."

"Thank you, Juliet." He gave her a sad smile, and Juliet had to fight back tears. After everything they'd been through, it was hard to let Daniel – sweet, vulnerable Daniel - go. She returned his smile through watery eyes.

With a handshake from Jin and a hug from Miles, Daniel walked down the dock towards the sub. He turned back and gave them a half-hearted wave and a final nod before climbing down into the sub.

Watching Daniel board the sub, a part of Juliet cried out silently, That should be me! This was her chance; she could leave the island right now. Her heart began racing frantically. Why am I staying? she pleaded to herself.

Seeming to sense her panic, Sawyer put a friendly arm around her shoulders. Leaning down towards her, he whispered, "You okay?"

Juliet took a deep breath, letting his presence calm her. The pull to leave the island was strong, but she had already made her decision. She would stay because it was 1974, and she had nothing out in the real world. She would stay for the hope of one day seeing Rachel again and of one day meeting Julian. She looked up at Sawyer, who was watching her with concern. And she would stay because she was no longer alone here.

"I'm fine," she said with a smile. She turned away from the dock, pulling Sawyer with her. "Let's go home, James."