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, so Julia wanted to keep him at ease.

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

"Has Sabrina woken up?"

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

Slowly, he'd take a deep breath as Julia cuddled.

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

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

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

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

"How come?" she asked.

"Do you sleep with your eyes open?"

"Sabrina Michelle!" her mother bellowed.

Tossing the Afghan, she'd smirk as her mother laughed and returned to the kitchen. Right away, she followed and smiled while staring at the stovetop.

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

Sabrina broadened.

"You're the best."

In kind, her mother chuckled as she 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 planned to savor an afternoon of trawling and boating. (Activities she'd loved since adolescence). 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, his daughter labored up the grassy hill, fighting tears.

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

Again, she snuggled.

"It already is."

Hereafter, the plan was simple; Sabrina would depart Kansas City and arrive 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 the 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 his daughter observed the metropolis. Although, from nowhere, she appeared sallow and sluggish, but soon after, normal.

"Do you think we'll ever find him?" Sabrina joked as he 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."

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

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

"How'd it go?"

Without haste, he scowled.

"Piece of cake."

All along, he'd erred to remain reserved and focused, but Julia sensed otherwise.

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

"I blame you for this." He joked, gazing upon his daughter.

Expectedly, Sabrina gawked.

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

"Uh-huh."

"You're doing it now."

That said, 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!" she 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 the plane faded into a darkened sky in anticipation of a promising future.