“We’ve been through this before. Your brother is coming to work for me. I need him. End of discussion. That’s enough from you.”

Nora’s nostrils flared. “You’re right, Far. It is enough. I didn’t come here to fight. I came because I thought you’d like to know I was leaving and I wanted to tell you in person. Also, it won’t be necessary for you to come to graduation, since I can’t be in two places at once.”

“You won’t be able to come back to accept your diploma?”

“No, Mor.”

“But you’ve worked so hard to earn it.”

“I have. I expect they’ll find a way to send it to me.”

“How can they send it to you if you can’t tell them where you are?” Bill had retreated to the other side of the room, where he stood with his arms crossed, glaring at her like a petulant teenager, which, of course, he was.

Again, Nora ignored him. “Anyway, I’d best be going. I have to finish packing.”

“You’re leaving so soon? But you just got here.”

“I’m sorry, Mor. There’s so much to do.”

“You’ll write if you can?”

“She said she would, dear.”

“I will.” Nora hugged her mother and father. She breathed deeply to memorize the scent of her perfume and his aftershave. It likely would be a very long time before she’d see them again. “Bill.” She nodded at him as she took her leave.

When she arrived home, Anna was sitting on her doorstep. “Hi.”

“Hi. What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been thinking. The truth is, I felt badly for the way I reacted to your news last time I saw you. If you’re going away to God-only-knows-where and you’re happy about that… You’re still happy about it?”

“I am.”

“Then I’m happy for you.”

Anna looked up at her from under long lashes, and Nora’s heart stood still.

“When do you leave? Do you know yet?”

It took several seconds before Nora’s brain registered Anna’s question. “Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? So soon?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Did they tell you where you’re going? I mean, I know you can’t tell me, but at least you know, right?”

“No.”

“No, you can’t tell me, or no, you don’t know?”

“Both.”

“Gee whiz. That’s crazy.” Anna stood. “In that case, it’s a good thing I stopped by when I did. Otherwise, I might’ve missed you.” She handed Nora a package wrapped in a brown paper bag.

“What’s this?”

“I know my friend. She’s been keeping a diary since we were old enough to read and write. I thought she might need this.”

Nora smiled. “Ever-thoughtful Anna.”

“Open it.”