He remembered distantly the first time he ever met the mayor, so very long ago. Back in a town who's name he forgot, that he's not even sure is still there.
Of course, back then they were not the mayor but instead his best friend, a penpal and neighbor who would endlessly put up with his silly ideas, buying him medicine when he fell sick (which was ironically often, given his namesake.)
He remembered her then, remembered asking her for fruit and furniture, and remembered excitedly responding to each letter. He even remembered, after so long, handing her his picture, nervous and stuttering.
"So you'll never forget me, and so we'll always be friends- right?" She gave him a huge grin and hugged him.
"Of course we'll always be friends, you goof!"
After so long, she moved far away, somewhere where he couldn't follow. And years went by without seeing her.
And after so, so long, he remembered seeing her again, after so long- a visitor came from another town- a mayor of another village, amazingly enough! He was happy to greet her, and they chatted for a bit. And finally, when he recognised her, his eyes went wide and warmly chatted with her, as they always used to.
She visit several times after, always stopping by for longer to chat. One day, he worriedly remarked on her appearance;
"Zoe, it seems like you can't go a day without wearing that post-op patch. Are you just trying to worry me, rr-owch?" She stared at him incredulously for a second before laughing.
"Lucky, you're literally constantly wrapped up in bandages and you're concerned about me?!" He blushed and laughed it off, but his fri-the mayor seemed upset as she walked to the train station to return home.
Was it something he said?