September 30, Wednesday

Michael puts our suitcases in his trunk and we head to the airport. We are all very quiet, each lost in our thoughts. He parks the car and he and Kai carry our three bags into the terminal and check them and we go to our departure gate, stopping at a restaurant to sit and wait since we’re very early.

Michael breaks the silence. “You’ll send me your address and phone number as soon as you have one?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

Kai gets up and puts his knapsack over his shoulder. “I’m going over to the gate so you guys have some time to talk.” He reaches out and shakes Michael’s hand.

Michael gets up and gives Kai a shake-half hug. “Good luck, man. Take good care of your mom for me, okay?”

Kai just nods and leaves us alone together.

Michael’s voice is thick with emotion. “I’m not letting you go, Eva. Keep me in your heart, where I belong.”

I don’t want to cry but it’s a struggle. “Michael, you know I will. We’ll keep in touch. I’ll keep you updated on how things are going.”

We sit in silence for a while then walk to the gate and hold each other close for a long embrace. Then he turns and I watch until he’s gone at the end of the concourse.