"We couldn't let you leave without saying goodbye," Marcus said.
"You guys didn't have to—"
"Yes we did," Rei interrupted. "You're family."
They had coffee and pastries—Sarah had opened early to bake fresh croissants for Lucy's departure. Mr. Peterson showed up. Then the Knitting Circle. Then Giuseppe, who brought an entire bag of his "traveling food" that he insisted Lucy needed.
"The French have good food, Giuseppe," Lucy said, laughing through tears.
"Not as good as mine! You take this!"
At 5:30, it was time to go.
The goodbyes were long and tearful. Uncle Walter held Lucy for a full minute, whispering something in her ear that made her cry harder. Rei gave her a fierce hug and made her promise to video call every week. Mae handed her a care package full of American snacks and magazines.
"For when you're homesick," Mae explained.
Finally, just Jake and Lucy, standing by his truck while everyone else waited inside.
"This is it," Lucy said.
"For six months. Not forever."
"Six months. March for your visit. August when I come back."
"August when you come back," Jake confirmed.
They held each other in the cold January darkness, neither wanting to let go.
"I love you," Lucy said. "Thank you. For everything. For believing in me. For supporting this even though it's hard."
"I love you too. Go be amazing. Learn everything. Eat all the pastries. And Lucy?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't forget about us. About this. About Timber Falls."
"Never. This is home. You're home."
They kissed one last time—long and deep and full of promises.
Then Lucy got in the truck, and Jake drove them to the airport, holding her hand the entire way.
Burlington Airport was small and quiet at 6 AM.
Lucy checked her bags, got her boarding pass, and stood with Jake at the security checkpoint.
"This is where I have to leave you," Jake said.
"I know."
They stood there, holding hands, both trying to be brave.
"Text me when you land," Jake said.
"I will. And when I get to the apartment. And when I start school. I'll text you everything."
"I'm going to hold you to that."
