Staying is Harder for Some of Us

"She's probably looking for a reason to stay," my mother told me when I asked her about my best friend's unquenchable wanderlust. And that's what I thought about while waiting to say goodbye to her.

She was a frivolous person; our friendship was quite frivolous. But when I asked her "Am I not enough reason for you to stay?," I could see her expression change. Her eyes once bright turned downward, guilt and sadness showing. Holding onto dear life to her bag strap she stared down at her feet not knowing what to say.

I know it was selfish of me to even think it was all right to ask her that. I walk towards her and for the first time in our life I embrace her with both arms and with a smile- whisper," It's alright I understand. Don't worry about me. Good luck."

I back away and see a toothy smile and a tear ready to break free. Before I know it she's gone, but before she turns to enter the plane, she looks back and throws me a kiss.