Chapter 3

Like Sabrina, her mother was an enthusiast of nature and its concessions. Except, there was something special about this season, and with the upcoming ascension, she'd grown eager. Furthermore, it's a moment their daughter had anticipated since adolescence, so Julia documented everything. (A compulsion everyone accepted despite the irritation).

"I need pictures..." she uttered, scuffling with the camera.

Straightaway, Sabrina snickered.

"Do you need help with that?"

Glancing with a quizzical sneer, Julia simpered.

"Nobody likes a smart mouth, young lady."

On average, Cottonwoof Falls never topped eighty degrees. Which is why Tim aimed to enjoy the balmy evening outdoors with his family, despite recalling that tomorrow, Sabrina wouldn't be there.

"Relax; I'll make you proud--I promise."

Without haste, he again hugged his daughter as Julia twinkled.

"You already have."

"So..." Julia announced, sitting on the swing. "How do we spend this beautiful evening?"

Again, Sabrina glowed and looked to her mother.

"Can I?"

Grinning, she agreed, and Sabrina leaped from the porch.

"She'll never change..." Tim remarked, standing. "I guess I better find that shovel."

Everything considered, Sabrina didn't want to leave, but a college education would benefit the family. More importantly, time was short, and her parents didn't want to waste a moment.

"Where do you want this!?" he shouted, exiting the shed with a large silver canister.

"Right here!" Sabrina exclaimed, pointing to the foot of a large oak tree.

"I'll leave you to it." Julia announced, returning inside.

It's no secret, she wasn't genteel when something troubled her, but Tim figured the time for Julia to mourn had come. Meanwhile, he carted over the heavy receptacle, but where Sabrina found it or meant to use it, remained a mystery.

"I want Mom here." she affirmed as her father set the container against the tree and glanced at the house.

"Don't worry; she'll be right along."

Leisurely, she clutched the shovel and began poking at the earth. It was solid due to the recent dry weather, and though such conditions weren't suitable for farming, crops thrived. On a side note, the tumultuous weather wasn't the only concern. For Sabrina had contributed greatly to the family's ranching venture, but now that she was leaving, harvesting would become more difficult.

"Dad..."

"Yeah, what is it?"

Initially, Sabrina believed she'd made the right decision, even despite the stress emigrating was causing.

"What if I took a year off...?" she illustrated. "At least until after the summer harvest."

Instantly, he shrugged and leaned against the tree. It was the exact scheme she'd sketched a thousand times, and like her mother, he didn't want her to leave. Regardless of that, he couldn't be selfish and make a personal choice.

"I thought you'd made up your mind?"

Since the start, Sabrina often spoke candidly, hoping her father would understand. Although, she'd soon realize that she'd also need to speak from the heart.

"I don't want to leave."

That said, Tim grieved and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"We don't want you to either..." he admitted. "Yet, you've made commitments and need to honor them."

Gradually, she pouted.

"I guess you're right."