Grinding my back teeth, chest heaving, I stood firmly blocking her path, not letting her leave.
"Dashiell, don't go. You said this was your home."
I had indeed said those words before.
In fact, it was the day we bought this house. I happily told Sarah,
"I finally have a home."
Growing up, the places I lived were more my parents' and Quint' homes than mine.
But I never imagined that one heartfelt exclamation would end up meaning nothing.
"Sarah, this isn't my home anymore."
As the words fell,
She stood there, lost and dejected.
Her face froze, unable to muster even a hint of a smile.
I pushed past her again, grabbed my suitcase, and left the cottage.
Seeing me leave, my parents, fearing association with Sarah, hurriedly fled like they were escaping.
From behind came Sarah's heart-wrenching cry.
"Dashiell, believe me, I'll come find you soon!"
"Just go home and rest for now. If they dare bully you, tell me, and I'll definitely stand up for you!"