It was a short two days later that Rhoda found herself back at the airport. Only, this time, Mary would be getting on a plane by herself, back to Minneapolis. Both Mary and Rhoda had asked if Brenda wanted to accompany Rhoda to the airport, but she refused, knowing her sister would need her privacy to say goodbye to her closest friend.

"Are you sure I can't talk you into staying a little bit longer? You never even looked to see if any of the TV stations here are hiring."

Mary smiled sadly. "I'm so glad I came here. Spending time with you and your family has been so nice. It reminds me that I'm not all alone in the world. But, now, I have to try to get on with my life. Start a new chapter."

"Kid, you can do that here. I know it'll be hard finding a new apartment, but…."

Impulsively, Mary hugged her friend. "Thank you, but no. Before he left for L.A., Mr. Grant gave me the names of some of his friends back home. He said I should try giving them a call. Maybe one will hire me." She shrugged, trying to sound a bit more optimistic than she felt.

Rhoda knew then that it was a losing battle. Mary had already made up her mind. But that didn't make it any easier. "Kid, I'm really going to miss you. I forgot how nice it is to have my best friend nearby."

"I know, I felt that, too. But I think I owe it to Mr. Grant to at least try the names he gave me."

"I get it," Rhoda said sadly. "I love you, Kid. I just know someone's going to hire you. They'd be crazy not to. And you better call me the second you get a job, OK?"

"I promise," Mary said. "I love you, too." After one more long hug, Mary knew that if she didn't get on the plane right now, she would change her mind. She squeezed Rhoda's hand one last time. Then she turned around, walking toward her gate.

Within minutes, Mary found herself boarding the plane. She looked for her seat, grateful it was near a window. She sighed as so many emotions tumbled around inside her: sadness, gratitude and more than a little nervousness. She had no idea what was waiting for her back home. All she knew was that, whatever awaited her, it would be the start of a new life. Somehow, even with all the uncertainty she still felt, she knew that it would be OK. Even if it took a while for things to work out, she knew she would eventually find her place. She was sure of it.

The End