Molly hadn’t realized that Abby was from Sweetwater. She reasoned it must be a nice place – if people like Abby and Captain Vine were from there.
Molly gave Abby her space to be quiet before deciding to respond. She knew what it was like to get lost in thoughts of missing home. Softly, she said, “Abby, I’m so sorry. Of course you miss them. I think, maybe, family is the only thing that grounds us – keeps us from getting scattered about when life gets stormy. No matter how imperfect it is or how difficult things become,” and at that Molly’s tone became wry, “well, we need people. It aches to live all your life alone with no one to care for or tell stories to.” Molly knew. She’d cut herself off from the only people who cared about her, just to try and outrun her own troubles. She had her reasons, but there were days she regretted that decision. “I don’t know where Thomas and Bridget are, but we’ll find them.” The determination in her voice wasn’t forced. She was utterly dedicated to making sure that Abby was reunited with her family. Anything she could do – all Abby had to do was ask. It would be okay. It had to be. There was no alternative.