Emma sat on the porch swing, feeling empty and lonely. She knew she was acting selfish, but how could she act happy? She liked Curt a lot, but she would miss Mary Ellen extremely. The porch door creaked open. Emma looked up and patted the space beside her as Mary Ellen walked out.
Mary Ellen smiled sadly, pulling Emma close as she sat down. "I'll miss you."
"You too, sister." Emma opened her arms and Erin cuddled with them as well. Erin's lip wavered and she started to cry softly. Elizabeth followed her out, and started to sob as she cuddled in her eldest sister's arms.
"I'll miss you, honey." Mary Ellen's eyes were full of tears.
John Boy and Jason gave her a hug each. "Be safe, whirlwind." John Boy kissed her head.
Jason held her close. "I'll miss ya, sister."
Mary Ellen was crying by this stage. "Stop it." She shoved them both gently. But when Ben and Jim Bob gave her the car for the night, she full on wailed and gathered all her siblings into a hug.
As they all huddled in each other's warmth, the bond between them all had never been more evident. Curt looked at them sadly before taking Mary Ellen's hand. "Goodbye."
"Bye." Everyone echoed.
"Love you!" Mary Ellen called as she entered the car with Curt.
"Love you too." Emma whispered as Elizabeth sobbed uncontrollably into her chest. As Mary Ellen and Curt drove off and everyone walked back inside, Emma stayed at the spot on the bench swing until she thought Mary Ellen and Curt would have gotten home.
"Goodnight, Mary Ellen."