A few days later, the departure hall of the airport buzzed with activity. Ted and Becky navigated through the sea of travelers, having left Becky's luggage at the check-in counter. They had arrived early, heeding Sally's advice, ensuring ample time for unforeseen delays from their long drive. The final week of summer break had turned the airport into a chaotic blend of excitement and tension, amplifying the already stressful atmosphere.

Ted, mindful of their growling stomachs, suggested grabbing lunch before Becky's flight. The food hall offered an array of choices, but the options seemed mundane, with generic fast-food joints jostling for the business of undiscerning travelers, each with endless queues. Ted's discerning eye settled on a midwestern burger outlet, a slightly less generic choice in the sea of sameness. The menu boasted cheese curds, a unique touch amid the familiar offerings.

Opting for a gesture of kindness, Becky insisted on treating her dad. Ted watched with a fond smile as she placed the order, appreciating the thoughtfulness that mirrored her mother's kindness. They sat across from each other, their silence echoing the unspoken emotions that had built up during the long drive from Sommerfield.

The air between them was heavy with unsaid words, a poignant reflection of the tension that had settled between them. Ted sensed Becky's bottled-up emotions suppressed just beneath the surface. He chose his words carefully, not wanting to add to her distress.

Amidst the buzzing chaos of the airport, Ted and Becky found a momentary refuge at a small table near the bustling food court. Ted observed the frenzied activity around them, his eyes crinkling in amusement as he remarked, "It's like a beehive at the airport today, isn't it?"

Becky nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd as she took a sip of her soda, the condensation from the cup leaving a faint dampness on her fingers. The noise of the airport faded into the background as Ted continued the conversation, trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

"What's the weather like in California at the moment?" Ted inquired, his voice carrying a note of genuine interest.

Becky glanced at her phone, her thumb swiping across the screen to check the latest updates. "It's eighty four degrees right now." she replied, her tone casual.

Ted whistled appreciatively, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. "That's toasty," he said, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Closest I've been to that kind of balmy weather was when I stuck my hand into the hot dog warmer back at the shop."

Becky managed a weak chuckle, her eyes flickering with a semblance of amusement as she took another small sip from her drink. Her attention shifted when a woman dressed in business attire, engrossed in conversation on two different phones, approached their table. Without missing a beat, Becky swiftly moved her backpack out of harm's way, preventing it from being squashed by the oblivious woman.

Ted shook his head, his voice tinged with amusement, "Airports are such strange places, aren't they? It's like a portal to a different world. You step onto a plane, and a few hours later, you're in a completely different place where they speak a different language and even drive on a different side of the road."

Becky grinned, her tone teasing, "That's just England, Dad. They speak English there too."

Ted chuckled, appreciating her quick wit. In that moment, he couldn't help but think about how much he would miss these exchanges, the playful banter that had become a part of their daily lives. His thoughts drifted to the Fentons, the memories of that memorable lunch rekindling a topic he had been meaning to discuss.

"It's a shame about Dan not being able to work at the grocery," Ted said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I got your mom all excited about it too. I kind of feel bad about it, counting my chickens. But anyway, I'll start asking around, see if I can find someone else interested in the job."

Becky sighed, her eyes momentarily clouded with regret. "I'm sorry Dad. But Dan had his own plans, things didn't line up the way we expected."

Ted waved a dismissive hand, trying to downplay the situation. "Ah, don't worry about it. It's not your fault at all. Actually, I'm happy for Dan. From the sounds of things, he's got some really good opportunities ahead of him. I hope it all works out."

Becky nodded in agreement, her eyes distant. "Yeah, I hope so too. I always thought he wanted to stay in Sommerfield, but I guess a lot can change in four years."

She finished her drink, shaking the empty cup absentmindedly. Her usual cheer and spark seemed elusive at the moment, overshadowed by the weight of their conversation. Ted sensed her subdued mood and shifted the conversation, attempting to lift her spirits.

"Forget about Dan," Ted said gently. "We're just glad to see you back home. And hey, saying goodbye isn't forever, you know? We're just a few hours' flight and a leisurely drive away. You can come back anytime when you get sick of being a big deal in California. Just come back home to unwind, enjoy some fresh air. Heck, I'd even bust out my baking skills if you're feeling a little brave."

"Thanks, Dad," Becky replied, a hint of a smile touching her lips. "I know it's not too far away, but I've got a lot going on with my studies."

Her fingers played nervously with a napkin, her hesitation palpable. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "Actually, I've got some news. I've decided to accept an internship at an animal hospital near the university. I hope I'm good enough for them, I am hoping to learn a lot working there, maybe even pick up a specialty, who knows?"

Ted's eyes lit up with pride, his smile warm and genuine. "That's fantastic, Becky! Your mom would be so excited to hear about this. You're going to do amazing things, I just know it. Dr Rebecca Jones... It's got a nice ring to it!"

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Becky's eyes, filled with apprehension, met her father's as she spoke softly, "Dad, please don't tell Mom just yet. I don't want her to think that, you know, I may never come back to Sommerfield."

Ted regarded her with understanding, his voice gentle but resolute. "Becky, that's crazy talk. Your mom would be over the moon that you've managed to earn such an amazing opportunity. We just want the best for you."

Becky scanned his eyes nervously, her fears momentarily dissipating as she met his firm and proud gaze. A soft smile touched her lips before her expression once again turned tense.

"Dad," she began, her voice trembling with vulnerability, "I'm so scared that I've made a mistake, doing what I'm doing. There are so many things I thought I wanted, wonderful and challenging things that I put my entire energy into achieving. But what if, in the pursuit of those things, I haven't considered what I've lost as a price for my ambitions?"

Ted's eyes reflected empathy as he responded, his voice a comforting presence. "It's natural to have doubts. I know things haven't been easy for you, adapting to new environments and facing the challenges of your studies. We may not always know the details, but we know you've weathered a lot. And you'll continue to face difficulties if you want to keep doing what you love, something meaningful. Just remember, no one really knows what they're doing; we take it one day at a time, even someone as confident as Paul Fenton."

Becky smiled, moved by her father's wisdom, and she went over to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. Her worries seemed to melt away as she held onto him.

With a heavy sigh, Becky pulled back slightly and admitted, "I really miss you, Dad."

Ted responded with warmth, "We miss you too, Becky. But you're going to be just fine. Look at all the experiences and growth you've had over the past four years. In spite of this, Sommerfield will always be here for you if you decide to come back. Your mom and I will make sure of it."

Becky nodded, tears welling up in her eyes but heartened by her father's reassuring words.

Half an hour later, the departure gate loomed before Becky like a threshold into another world. She exchanged a final goodbye with her dad, as she disappeared down the long corridor walkway leading to airport security. Their parting was marked by comforting smiles and a shared sense of contentment, the burden of the moment having been released during their heartfelt conversation over a simple lunch.

Inside the airplane, Becky settled into her seat by the window. The plane soon roared to life, and she watched in silence as the city below her dwindled into a small patch of buildings and clouds in the far distance.

The memory of that morning's parting weighed heavily on her, the image of her mother's tearful eyes and the echo of her own choked farewells etched in her mind. She had clung to the familiarity of her family home until the last possible moment, the comforting facade slowly slipping away as her father's pickup rolled down the driveway, carrying her away from the sanctuary of her childhood.

A sigh escaped Becky's lips, dissipating into the ambient hum of the airplane cabin. A moment of profound solitude settled upon her, the awareness of being surrounded by strangers accentuating the loneliness that clung to her like a shadow that was rearing to pounce. In search of connection, she delved into her backpack, her fingers brushing against the cool surface of the computer tablet gifted by the Fentons. Gratitude swelled within her as she thought of the new and old connections that had taken root in both Sommerfield and Millerton.

As she navigated through the tablet's contents, Becky's eyes softened with emotion as she discovered the carefully curated moments that Mary had assembled for her. Photos flickered on the screen, capturing precious fragments of time – Becky with Dan's family, a few choice moments of that unforgettable barbecue lunch at the Fenton's and a selfie of themselves taken at the Quaint Quill bookshop cafe, Mary donned in the university sweatshirt that Becky had given her. Each image held a story, a reminder of the bonds she had forged in these towns, a testament to the richness of her experiences.

Eager to delve deeper, she tapped on one of the songs Mary had chosen. The melody started, but its details were drowned amidst the airplane's mechanical symphony.

Determined to listen, she delved into her backpack in search of her headphones.

Instead, her hands come across something else. It was a small, flat package resembling the size of a VHS tape, neatly enveloped in brown wax paper. It was a gift from Dan, given to her the morning she departed Millerton after spending the night at his place.

–

As Becky sat in her pickup that morning, the engine humming softly, ready for the long drive back to Sommerfield. Just as she was about to drive away, Dan, standing by her open window, suddenly seemed to remember something important. With an apologetic smile, he told her to wait as he hurried back to his apartment, his footsteps echoing in the quiet morning street.

Breathless but excited, Dan returned moments later, clutching a small, brown package in his hands.

"It's something I found while you were still in Minneapolis," Dan began, his voice filled with a sense of wonder. "There was a yard sale in Sommerfield. An old English teacher from the high school was moving away, and I stumbled upon this item."

Intrigued, Becky wound down the window fully, leaning in to listen to Dan's tale. His words flowed with enthusiasm, painting a picture of the quaint yard sale and the unexpected treasure he had found.

"As I passed by the yard sale, I felt this strange pull, like fate was guiding me," Dan continued, "Among all the crockery and homeware, I discovered something unique, something right up your alley that I know you'd appreciate. There was no price tag on it, as if it had been forgotten, so I managed to buy it for just a dollar."

As Becky eagerly accepted the small brown package from Dan, the waxy paper crinkled under her fingers. Her eyes widened with curiosity, and she looked at Dan, her excitement barely contained.

"Can I open it now?" she asked, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Dan shook his head, "Let's make it a surprise. Open it when you leave Minnesota. It'll remind you of Sommerfield if you ever feel homesick."

With a nod and a smile, Becky carefully stowed the package into her backpack.

–

In the dim light of the airplane cabin, Becky took out the package and began unwrapping the brown paper. As the tape peeled away, she lifted the wrapping open, revealing a small, hand bound book. The spine of the book was held together by a meticulous weave of hand tied string.

She smiled curiously at the revelation, an odd gift that was fitting of its yard sale origins. The back cover of the book was facing her so she slowly turned it over. The front cover was made with green cardboard, the color of jade, just like the grass plains of Sommerfield.

Her eyes drank in the vibrant cover, and in the midst of the emerald expanse, the title of the book, 'The Reefmaker,' emerged in precise script, etched with a dark marker.

Becky held her breath, her heartbeat quickening in her chest. An electrifying shiver raced down her spine, unstoppable and harrowing. She picked up the book with both hands, beholding it like a lost treasure, the realization of the situation sinking in. Tears began uncontrollably falling from her eyes.

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- END -

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Note from the author (Carpdime):

Thank you reader for embarking on the journey of Sommerfield Summer! I had such a pleasure writing the beloved characters and their individual stories, I truly hope you have enjoyed the journey as well.

I would love to hear from you if you have any thoughts or if you just want to say hi. Stay tuned for more writings in the future! Thanks again for reading!

- Carpdime