I flung my bag into the back seat and looked up at the Manor with a silent bidding of farewell. For some reason, I felt as if this would be the last time, for a long time, that I would see it again. I wanted to imprint its image and those who stood on the porch in my memory. Thomas and Rosy stood at the top step, with Aons of the Manor flocking behind them.
I smiled at Thomas and walked up to him as he outstretched his arms. I embraced him tightly, kissing his hollow cheek and looking into his grey eyes. His mouth trembled, tears collecting in his eyes as he patted my cheek with his frail hand.
“I bid you a safe journey, Ms. Foster.”
“I’ll be fine, Thomas. I’m more worried about you.”
“I’ll watch him.” Rosy winked and wrapped her thin arm around his frail waist.
He pinched his mouth i
