When Christopher, Elena, and Rachel were ready to leave, I walked alongside them toward the borrowed vehicle that would take them back to our house.
They had borrowed one of the community's cars—an older sedan that had seen better days but still ran reliably according to Martin. The paint was faded and there were a few dents along the sides but it would get them home safely.
As they prepared to get into the car, my friends turned to wave goodbye. Christopher offered a casual wave. Elena's wave was more reserved, accompanied by that concerned look she'd been wearing since I'd announced my intention to stay. But it was Rachel who caught my attention—her reluctance was written clearly across her face, and her wave seemed more like a question than a farewell.
