Chapter 5

This particular morning, Tim gazed upon the horizon, knowing today was the day. And despite Sabrina's promise to call, feelings of sadness surged. Despite that, seeing Julia always seemed to ease his stress.

"What are you doing out here?" she inquired, stepping onto the porch.

All morning, she seemed emotional, so Tim wanted to keep his wife at ease.

"Has Sabrina woken up?"

"No," she retorted. "She's still asleep."

Slowly, Tim took a deep breath as Julia cuddled.

"She'll be all right, I know it,"

"I hope so," he rebutted, escorting Julia into the house.

Unobserved, Sabrina peeked from under an Afghan as her father loomed.

"It won't take much to wake her,"

"How come?"

"Do you sleep with your eyes open?"

"Sabrina Michelle!"

Tossing the Afghan, Sabrina smirked as Julia laughed and returned to the kitchen. Right away, she followed and hugged her mother while staring at the stovetop.

"Your favorites," Julia described, gesturing. "Strawberry waffles, country sausage, and chocolate chip pancakes."

Sabrina broadened.

"You're the best,"

In kind, Julia chuckled as Sabrina greeted her father before heading to the bathroom.

"She'll be strong, like the others," he announced as Julia neared.

"That's what frightens me,"

Now, the family had settled on a simple day of activities. Because, despite anxieties, Sabrina's last day home wouldn't be a solemn affair. Thereupon, following a fulfilling breakfast, everyone savored an afternoon of trawling and boating. (Activities Sabrina had loved since she was little). Notwithstanding that, as the five o'clock hour neared, reality settled in. And so, as Sabrina assisted with the boat, she observed the glorious sunset.

"You should gather your things," Tim remarked while securing the moorings.

Gradually, Sabrina labored up the grassy hill, fighting tears.

"Come on," he instructed, taking her hand. "It won't be that bad."

Again, Sabrina snuggled.

"It already is,"

Hereafter, the plan was simple. Sabrina would depart Kansas City and land in Boston for a connecting flight to London. Alas, it'd be her first time away, but she felt excited by the fortune her laborious efforts had yielded. Irregardless, she remained apprehensive despite a prosperous future.

Later that evening, during the ride into Midtown, Sabrina focused on taking pictures. And as the downtown skyline emerged, she felt ingrained into its strange cosmos. Interestingly enough, she'd visited the capital before, but never for such a notable reason. This is why traveling to Europe seemed intimidating, and Tim often regarded Sabrina's apprehension.

"Are you all right?"

For a time, Sabrina's gaze centered on several planes posted at the gate.

"I'm fine,"

In short order, Tim labored over the luggage as Sabrina observed the metropolis. From nowhere, she appeared sallow and sluggish, but soon after, normal.

"Do you think we'll ever find him?" Sabrina joked as Tim vanished into the terminal with the bags.

"Let's hope so," Julia responded as she and Sabrina entered the airport.

"Do you have everything?"

"Yes, I suppose so,"

"Hello, welcome to American Airlines." The clerk stated. "May I have your ticket?"

At once, Sabrina smiled and transferred the ticket as her mother looked around. Again, Sabrina pouted, as Tim reemerged, appearing frustrated and discouraged. As a result, Julia grinned, hoping to again ease his stress.

"How'd it go?"

Without haste, Tim scowled.

"Get to the airport beforehand, and everything would be easier,"

All along, he'd erred to remain reserved and focused, but Julia would yet be the voice of reason.

"There's no need for anger, Timothy; everything will be fine,"

"I blame you for this," Tim joked.

Expectedly, Sabrina gawked.

"Dad, remember you told me to tell you when you acted weird?"

"Uh-huh,"

"You're doing it now,"

Given that, he smirked, but Sabrina was right. Nevertheless, Tim thought to have time, but to his dismay, the announcement soon blared.

"Flight 3280 outbound to Boston, now boarding at gate 37."

"I guess that's me,"

For some time, Sabrina fought second thoughts, but regardless, knew a promising future awaited.

"We're so proud of you," Julia proclaimed as tears streamed.

Likewise, Tim embraced his daughter.

"Take care of yourself and call when you land,"

"I'll miss you, and I love you both so much," Sabrina announced, meandering to the gate.

In no time at all, Tim held Julia as Sabrina gave a subtle wave and passed through. Finally, they'd watch from the window as Sabrina's plane faded into a darkened sky in anticipation of a promising future.