It was a long flight to Southtown, but Nina knew exactly how to get there. It helped that there was nothing but clear skies on the way, which she was thankful for. She wondered if two certain someones had anything to do with that. She'd have to bring it up whenever she went back.

After hours of flying, Nina could see her hometown below and her house on the outskirts. She landed her airplane in her backyard. A few acquaintances greeted her when they saw her get out of the aircraft, and she gave them a quick hello and chat before unlocking her front door and going inside.

Nina's house was just the way she left it, only it was now dustier. She sneezed and made a mental note to clean it up sometime. For now, she had things to do. She set her bag down on the floor, then headed out again and locked the door.

She walked into town and stopped at a flowershop. The shop owner, who had known Nina since she was a little girl, stated, "Nina Alvar! Nice to see you back in Southtown! How was your latest adventure?"

Nina handed him some money for a bouquet and paused before replying, "Life-changing."

The shop owner nodded and handed her some change, then the flowers. "The best ones are," he stated.

Nina took the flowers and left, then walked down the road in the opposite direction of her house. She did this for three miles until she arrived at a cemetery. She opened the gate and went through.

The cemetery in Southtown was small and out of the way, but well-kept. Flowers bloomed all around and made the gloomy spot slightly more cheerful. Various trinkets were laid in front of graves, reminding the living of lost loved ones and hopefully sending a message to the dead that they were not forgotten.

Although it had been years since Nina had stepped foot in that graveyard, she knew exactly where she was going. She stopped at a particular grave near the middle of the cemetary and sat on her knees. The stone in front of her had the name John Alvar engraved on it.

At first, Nina could not bear to look at the headstone. She placed the bouquet on the grave itself, eyes cast down. With a trembling voice, she spoke. "Hi, Dad. I know it's been a long time since I've been here. I just got back from...you'll never guess...the North Pole. You wouldn't believe everything that's happened. I wish I could tell you. I wish you were here. I wish I could tell you about all the wonderful things I've seen and all the great people I've met."

"I don't know if you can hear me, but I'm sorry I haven't come by more often. After you died, I felt like a big piece of me was stolen. I would have done anything to bring you back. I even asked Santa Claus for help, but he never answered me. I was so angry at him...at the world...at everything. As soon as I was old enough, I left Southtown and traveled the world. You know I always wanted to be a pilot. Well, I became one, but I've been using my skills for the wrong reasons. I've been running away from the past and from my pain. Dad...I've decided not to do that anymore. I came back to get closure, and I needed to start with you. Even if you can't hear me, I needed to come here and tell you that I miss you and that I want to become the person you always said I would be." She lifted her head and looked at the stone. "I love you, Daddy, and I hope I can make you proud."

Nina let herself weep and grieve, something that she had not allowed herself to do since her father passed away. A great burden was lifted off her shoulders. She was starting to be liberated of the chains that had held her back for so long. However, this was only the beginning.

After Nina left the cemetary, she took her time going back into town. She needed to regain her composure, and she also needed to take the time to remember what house her mother lived in.

A few years after Nina's father died, Nina's mother remarried. Nina didn't know if they still resided in the same home that they had, but Nina would try to find out. She hadn't seen her mother or stepfather in months, ever since before her ex-boyfriend and her broke up. This wouldn't be easy.

Nina arrived at a brick house in the middle of town and knocked. A woman who looked similar to Nina opened the door. "Nina?!" she gasped, shocked.

"Hi, Mom," Nina said, holding her breath. She didn't know what to expect. Although they lived in the same town, Nina was rarely ever home, and even when she was, she didn't see her mother often.

"Come in. Please," Marilyn told her, opening the door wide enough for Nina to go inside. Nina did so, quietly.

Her mother led her to the living room. "Have a seat."

The two sat on the couch. "It's so good to see you. It's been a long time," Nina's mother said.

"I know. I've been traveling a lot. That's why I'm here. I need to make things right."

"What do you mean? Oh, do you want some tea? I'm so surprised to see you that I forgot to offer you some."

Nina shook her head. "No, thank you. All I really want is to talk."

"Go ahead."

"I know I haven't spoken to you in a long time, and I'm sorry. That's completely my fault. Ever since Dad died, I've been struggling to deal with life in general."

"I understand, sweetie. His death was difficult for both of us."

"Then, when you married Richard, I...I felt like you were betraying Dad," Nina said, hesitantly. It was a thought she had never openly expressed, but in order to move on from the pain, she knew she had to start being more honest. "I know that you weren't, but it felt like that for the longest time. You moved on, and I shouldn't have held that against you just because I haven't yet."

Nina's mother looked sympathetic. "Nina, I loved your father very much. I always will. I'm not angry with you for how you felt. You're my daughter, and I know you've had a difficult time dealing with things."

"Still, I should have been nicer to you both. I'm deeply sorry," Nina told her.

"I forgive you. I'm sure Richard does, as well. He'll be home later. Why don't you have dinner with us?"

Nina agreed and stayed for a few hours. She helped her mother cook dinner. When her stepfather came home, the food was ready.

"Richard, Nina has come for a visit," Marilyn told her husband when he went inside.

Richard shook Nina's hand. "It's nice to see you, Nina. Your mother and I have missed you."

Stunned, Nina asked, "Really?"

"Of course. We haven't seen you since you started seeing that one boy."

"Ben Howards," Nina stated, glumly.

"Oh, yes, him. I'm sorry things didn't work out between you two."

Nina brushed it off. "Can we talk over dinner?"

Marilyn brought up to her husband, "Yes, dear. We prepared something special for the occasion."

The three sat down at the dining room table and served the food. Nina began the conversation. "I wanted to tell you both that I'm sorry I was so horrible to you when I was younger. I held in a lot of anger and grief, and I shouldn't have tainted your happiness."

"Nina, you were a child. We didn't blame you for being that way," said Richard.

"But I should have been happy that you found each other. You are a good man who took care of us, and I should have been more supportive. Thank you for everything you did for us, especially for Mom."

"You're welcome," he replied.

"We're glad you came and are starting to feel better, Nina," Marilyn told her daughter.

"So am I. I needed to do this, not only for myself, but for you two, as well. Getting closure will help us all, I think."

"It does. What will you do, now?"

Nina thought for a moment. "I was thinking about seeing Ben, but I don't know if that's a good idea. Our relationship ended really badly, and it's been bothering me ever since then."

Marilyn looked hesitant. "Honey, it may not be wise to see him."

"I know, but I need closure. I can take care of myself. Don't worry."

"Would you like to stay here tonight? There's so much we need to catch up on," Marilyn offered.

"I'd like that. My house is too dusty for me to sleep in," Nina laughed.

Richard said, "We'll get the guest room set up, then we'll sit by the fire and talk."

Nina helped her mother with the dishes, then sat down by the fireplace with her and her stepfather. They talked until the late hours of the night, reminiscing and catching up on what was going on in their lives. Nina didn't mention anything about her trip to the North Pole, as she thought they wouldn't believe her. She would tell them someday, but for now, she just wanted to be in their presence. Another weight was lifted off of her, and another chain was broken. Nina felt that she was almost completely at peace. Almost.