Willow's eyes popped open mid-meditation at the sound of heavy steps coming up the stairs. She peeked out into the hall, seeing the sliver of light coming from Buffy's room. She tip-toed to her room, listening to rustling, whispering prayers. She was relieved to see it was only Buffy, but her nerves jumped again as she tore a large suitcase from the closet. "Buffy, where are you going?" Willow spoke softly from the doorway.

"I need to get out of here for a while." Buffy breathed heavily and yanked a dufflebag of holy water and stakes from under her bed.

Willow toyed with the quarter moon charm of her necklace. "But what are you going to do about the girls?"

"I'm not their mother." Buffy dug in the bottoms of her drawers, tossing more stakes and a few silver daggers Willow had never seen into the bag. "They can take care of themselves."

"Well, sure. But it doesn't mean they don't want you around." Willow watched Buffy stuff long sleeved shirts and sweaters into the suitcase. "Don't run away, Buffy."

"I'm not running away. I just need a bit of a vacation." Buffy continued avoiding eye contact.

"I thought slayers didn't get vacations."

"They don't. My vacation will be kicking vampire ass out of town." Buffy zipped her suitcase.

Willow's eyebrows raised. "By yourself?"

"I can handle it."

Willow pursed her lips.

"Don't look at me like that, Will. I just need some space. And like you said, slayers don't get vacations. This is the closest thing I've got."

Willow stretched out her arms and engulfed Buffy in a tight embrace. "You know I'll always support you. Just keep in touch and come home soon."

She inhaled the scent of sage that lingered on Willow before letting her go. Buffy slid on her coat and grabbed her bag and suitcase. "I'll be home before you know."

Willow watched her walk into the hall, mouthing a silent spell of safe travels.