When Francine woke up and checked the time, it was 3 am, and it was still dark outside. She lay there, staring at her ceiling, trying to process what had happened in the last week, and it seemed insane, really.
Before she met Jacob, she had rebuilt her life and was fairly happy. She had a job, her parents, and her friends. She had Dave. Dave!! She sat bolt upright and knew exactly what she had to do.
After gathering her essential belongings, Francine sent messages to Starla and Nomer, explaining the situation. She then switched off her phone and left it on the bedside table next to her bed, along with a note expressing her love for her mother.
She took a final look around her childhood bedroom, absorbing every happy memory she had there. Then, with her backpack slung over her shoulder a
