.
Marie, who didn't quite understand the situation, simply nodded. She wouldn't rush to find the perfect place for their meal; taking her time meant she had more space to think about other things, other than the ache of missing home.
She could hardly imagine that the request was really about her learning to be patient with her own feelings. But that was something her conscience would reveal in its own time.
Hong Bo had no intention of going to the airport to say goodbye, so she took the opportunity to pick up a small box tied with a ribbon—a farewell gift she had chosen.
She wasn't good at goodbyes; most of the time, the people who said farewell disappeared forever, leaving behind a subtle, uncomfortable emptiness.
But she had a good feeling that Marie was different.
"I thank you for everything you've taught me."
Marie, unprepared for gifts, smiled shyly, softly.
She opened the delicate package, undoing the ribbon, revealing a small pendant in the shape of a flower.
