“What if I came with you and helped you get settled, and then I can come back? I don’t like the idea of you on a bus by yourself.”
“Brylee, I have to learn how to take care of myself again. You need to stay here. I’ll call you when I get where I’m going.”
Brylee started crying and pulled her into her arms. “I never thought we’d live so far apart or in different states,” Brylee said.
Larkin tightened her arms and closed her eyes, savoring the last human contact she’d have for a long time. “I should get going. The Uber I called should be here soon.”
“Can I at least make you up a sack of food?”
Larkin shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”
“You’ve hardly eaten this week. You’re going to make yourself sick if you don’t start. I’ve never seen you this thin and pale.”
Larkin grabbed her hands. “I promise to take care of myself. Stop worrying.”
The two walked down the stairs holding hands, with Larkin dragging her bag with her.
They hugged one more time while they cried.
When a horn sounded, Larkin pulled away. “I’ve got to go.”
Larkin walked outside, threw her things in the back seat, and waved one last time.
The trip to the house was silent. She didn’t have the energy for conversation, and the guy must have perceived that. They pulled to the end of the drive.
“We’re on the street you wanted now. Where do you want me to drop you off, lady?”
“Go toward Murphy Boulevard. I’ll tell you when to stop. Can you wait for me while I go get some of my things?”
“Sure. I’ll wait for thirty minutes. If you’re not out here, I’ll have to take off.”