As we prepared to leave, the mood in the house was somber. Rhoda packed some food for us in a small bundle, tying it securely so Dwayne could carry it in his mouth.
"It's not much," she said apologetically. "But it should help you on your journey."
We stood at the door, our hearts heavy with the weight of farewell. Rhoda knelt down, hugging each of us in turn.
"Be safe out there," she whispered. "And remember, you always have a home here if you need it."
Judith clung to her grandmother's skirts, her eyes red from crying. "Goodbye, Rebecca. Goodbye, Dwayne. I'll miss you."
Even Isaac seemed moved by the moment. He nodded to us, a grudging respect in his eyes. "Good luck out there," he said gruffly.
With one last look at the family that had shown us such kindness, Dwayne and I turned a
