Sara didn't immediately leave after her conversation with her mother. She spent another six months keeping her company, gradually lifting Mrs. Hoffman's spirits. When spring settled in and summer approached, Sara finally broached the topic of her departure.
"I won't be gone forever," Sara reassured her mother, though she realized it wasn't quite the reassurance Mrs. Hoffman was hoping for, given her expectation for Sara to settle down with Brandon Myles.
"We'll come visit you, along with your father," Mrs. Hoffman said. "You can plan your own wedding, and we won't interfere."
Exactly, Sara thought to herself. The notion of marriage still lingered in her mother's mind.
"Mom," Sara forced a smile, "thanks for respecting my wishes."
Mrs. Hoffman beamed in return. "I'll instruct the driver to take you to the airport. Or would you prefer a private jet?"
