“Take care of yourself on that trip.” She grumbled, “I don’t want you getting eaten by a lion or some shit when I’m so close to having you back.”

I cracked up. “There aren’t lions where I’m going. Maybe a baboon.”

“Whatever! Seriously, though, enjoy your trip and get back safe. Everything’s going to work out. I know it will.”

I really hoped she was right. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

I ended the call, and as I got ready for bed and packed the rest of the things I’d take north, I wondered how it was going with Elias and his family. I checked my phone and saw there were no messages, and couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad thing.

I went to bed with a clear mind and very sore heart. But for the first time in a long time, I finally felt like I was looking forward to what was next.

Chapter 26

“Do you have everything, dear?”

I turned around from zipping my bag and nodded at Saba. I’d come to stay at her house when I returned from my trip the day before, and was now getting ready to head to the airport.

I pointed toward the hallway leading to the bedroom. “Just have to get my laptop bag. I’ll be right back.”

She waved me off. “Tefare is on his way. It’s only 8:30 and your flight isn’t until midnight. You have more than enough time.”

Saba stood by the door of her guest bedroom and watched as I hurried to get the last of my things. “How are you feeling about leaving?”

Her tone told me she already knew.

I answered with my eyes focused on what I was doing, not feeling up to facing her knowing gaze. “Completely unprepared. The goodbyes at the office were hard.” In the morning I’d gone to say goodbye to Bonnie and the rest of the team at Aid USA. Even Sam had acted like a human when I stopped by his cubicle.

I heard Saba exhale from behind me. “You’ll see them again.” I expected that to sting, but it didn’t. It felt inevitable that I would come back.

“You’re right. I think I will.” Everyone at Aid had given me multiple hugs and had made me promise I’d be back for a visit soon, and when I said I would, it felt like the truth.

While I was there, Bonnie had given me a couple of funny looks and told me to update her about my summer plans. I suspected she knew about Elias and me. The urge to ask her if she knew more than the little bits of information I’d gotten from him while I was travelling had been strong, but I would never betray his trust.