Moving On

“I don't know why I'm cryin',” Susie said. “I got no good reason.” She used another tissue and threw into onto the rapidly growing pile.

“Now don't say that,” Jen said. “You just had your whole world turned upside-down. That's as good a reason for cryin' as any I care to think of.” Jen sat down on the creaky, old couch, arms held out in an offer of a hug. Susie threw herself into the embrace, sobbing all the while.

“It's just so silly,” Susie said. “Ain't like anything bad happened. Kyle has a great opportunity. Kind of work he always dreamed of. I should be nothin' but happy for him. Just dumb and selfish to be cryin'.”

“You stop that right now, Susie Anne,” Jen said, drawing back. “Yeah, it's good for Kyle. Long run, it'll be good for both of you. But ain't nobody going to blame you for being sad on leavin'. We're goin' to miss you, you're goin' to miss us. Ain't no reason you can't be sad on that and happy on Kyle all at the same time.”

“I don't want him to think–” Susie started, breaking off to drain her nose again. “To think I don't want to go. I don't want him to get mad at me, sayin' I'm bringin' this all down and makin' it about me.”

Jen reached out and gently tugged Susie's face by the jaw, until their eyes were locked together. “Now tell me straight. Has that man ever done anythin' to make you think he'd be mad at you. Done anythin' to make you scared?”

Susie pulled her jaw free to glance away and shook her head. “No, ma'am. Not ever.”

“Then you got nothin' to worry on,” Jen said. “Kyle loves you. He'll understand. Wouldn't surprise me if he was feelin' much the same way now. He grew up here too, y'know. It'll be a whole new life for both y'all.”

Susie nodded, wiping away the last of her tears. Jen was right. They would stick together and see what came.