It was time for final hugs. Dad first. “Well, we’re not gonna be doing this for a while.” He didn’t mean it unkindly. And then Mom. “Goodbye, doll.” I was shaking. I don’t remember if I said anything. I just held them tight for as long as they let me. Grace and I turned to cross the yard to the van. “Girls?” Mom called out. We turned. “You can always come back.” Her hope broke me more than her tears.
