Natalie didn't answer. Why bother? He'd realized this was related to her, so why confirm that? And she wasn't about to explain what he was currently seeing, so. What she had left was unhelpful snapping. So she said nothing.

Come on, Todd, honey! It's time. Say goodbye.

They hugged again, and then the boy pulled away for good. Starting towards the car, but walking backwards. Waving. And the girl – had she really been that small? that redfaced from crying? – was waving back at him. Looking like her world was ending (things were so dramatic when you were eleven) but waving because at least she could give him a good goodbye.