The goodbyes were a blur; or I tried as much as I could to detach myself from the immediate narrative. I let my soul float, so I wouldn’t feel the full effects of leaving my family for what felt like forever.
Grace gave me a twisty hug, because the space in the car wasn’t enough. Still, I held on to her until she let go first. And then I pulled away and forced myself to be strong.
For a long time after they left, Seth and I sat quietly in the car. We were in complete silence; not moving, not speaking, not doing anything.
“Ophelia, what are you planning?” Seth asked finally, breaking the silence and turning around to face me in the backseat. The curiosity and worry was itched all over his features. He knew that if I was trying to hide my plans, then they’d be no good.
I stared out the w
