At the Lon Lon Ranch, when Malon isn't taking care of the horses and chickens, she's waiting. She waits for Link to come to her. The last time Malon saw him, Link had retrieved all the medallions and was preparing for his final battle against Ganondorf. Although Link was mute, Malon felt that he promised to return. For her part, the young woman had promised to reveal her feelings to him when he returned. Her love for Link.
Imprisoned by Ganondorf, Princess Zelda is waiting. She's waiting for Link to come and save her. She knows that he can defeat Ganondorf and save Hyrule from the forces of evil. The princess has also promised herself to tell Link that she loves him.
They keep waiting for him, but Link doesn't come.
He will never come.
The Hero of Time has been defeated.
Ganondorf is free to rule Hyrule.
Zelda and Malon descend into despair and madness.