But A-1710's love for Ayana was tainted by the knowledge that their time was limited. He knew he couldn't stay on Earth forever, and the thought of leaving her broke his heart. His mission still loomed over him, and he knew that his superiors on Vantira would not tolerate his growing affection for a human.
The day he had dreaded finally arrived. A-1710 knew he had to leave, to return to his home planet, but he couldn't bear the thought of Ayana suffering because of him. He decided to protect her the only way he knew how by erasing her memories of their time together. It was a cruel mercy, but it was the only way to ensure that she wouldn't live in pain after he was gone.
On their last evening together, A-1710 and Ayana watched the sunset from a hill overlooking the city. The sky was a canvas of gold and pink, the sun sinking slowly beneath the horizon. They held each other close, neither wanting to let go. As the first stars appeared in the sky, A-1710 turned to Ayana, his heart aching with the knowledge of what he had to do.
"I have to go," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "But I'll always love you, Ayana. Remember that."
Tears welled in Ayana's eyes as she looked at him, sensing the finality in his words. "Don't go," she pleaded, but A-1710 silenced her with a gentle kiss. It was a kiss filled with all the love he had never been able to express, and as their lips met, Ayana's memories began to fade.
When the kiss ended, Ayana fell into a deep sleep in his arms, her memories of their time together slipping away like sand through her fingers. A-1710 held her close for a moment longer, his own tears falling freely as he whispered his final goodbye.
He placed the plushie in his pocket, then took a polaroid photo they had taken together and wrote on the back, "Look at the sky if you miss me." He left the photo on the bench beside her and walked away, his heart shattered but knowing he had done the right thing.