Abby’s night gave way to morning as she rose from the sofa. She was dressed, and her belongings were stowed in her vehicle. With her exit strategy mapped out, she only had to slip away before Charm awoke. She couldn’t endure the pain of seeing Bill and Bob setting up the visitor center kiosk, Lillian opening her shop, or William plastering someone’s photo on the display board. She’d left a note for her grandfather. Never had she felt so wretched or alone. Abby took one final glance around her adorable English cottage and closed the door on her happiness.
Within minutes, she was driving on the loop road. She drew in a deep breath as the flashing green detour sign appeared by the portal gate. “This is it.” She pulled over, taking the key and charm to the lock. “Okay, the instructions said to insert the key and press the charm against the plate. Done.” Abby put the key and charm into her pocket and returned to her vehicle. She didn’t look back, but heard a humming sound.
Climbing into the driver’s seat, she glanced out the window. The detour road was there. Two cars passed in front of her. “Here goes.” She made a left turn back into her old world and headed for Crestview.