Her health was always a bit finicky, and flying tended to make her under the weather for days. So, her loving circle of family and friends did their best to spare her the ordeal of air travel.
But now, against all odds, she had taken a flight alone.
Had she lost her mind?
The concern in Balfourâs voice was unmistakable, giving Mara a sliver of comfort.
âBalfour, for a second there, I thought you stopped caring!â She teased. âOlivia was tied up with something, and I had to fly back alone. Arenât you going to pick me up? Itâs been ages since Iâve been home, and I donât even know how to find you.â
Balfourâs brow was a landscape of worry. He could not fathom why Mara would take such a risk. What if something happened to her?
âStay put. Iâm on my way.â
He raced to the airport, fearing Mara alone, vulnerable to health scares in unfamiliar territory, without a soul to turn to for help.
Stepping out of the car, he saw Mara.
âMara.â
Her face lit up, and she bounded towards him, wrapping him in an eager embrace.
Before he could scold her, she inhaled deeply, her head against his chest, then looked up with playful eyes. âBalfour, Iâve missed you so much! Itâs only been a short while, but it feels like centuries!â
Once he was sure she was alright, Balfour gently pushed her back, tapping her shoulder, âYou scared me half to death, you know?â
She gave him a pout. âBut I missed you! And youâre always so busy with work, you canât visit me often.
Besides, itâs been years since Iâve been home. Iâve missed where I grew up. Now that Iâm here, you donât have to trek all the way to M State, right? Isnât that perfect?â
Seeing her lack of gravity about the situation, Balfour spoke sternly. âNext time you return, tell me or your family in advance. No more surprises. What if you had an emergency on the flight with no medicine? How could I face your sister then?â
Her pout deepened. âAlways my sister. Would you even care about me if it was not for her?â
Balfourâs expression darkened. If it had not been for Maraâs sister saving his life, he would not be here today. It was one of the reasons he had looked after Mara for so many years.
Knowing how much respect Balfour had for her sister, Mara conceded with a playful stick of her tongue.
âOkay, okay, I get it. I was wrong. Letâs get going? Iâm tired, and Iâve yet to visit your grandma and grandpa. I didnât bring them gifts because I rushed back. Maybe you could take me shopping for something nice?â
Balfour hesitated. âWe canât go back just yet. I need to swing by the hospital.â
Maraâs face drained of color as she frantically checked him for injuries, âWhy the hospital? Are you hurt? Sick? Why didnât you tell me?â
Pushing her hands away gently, Balfour explained, âItâs not me. Itâs Ivy. I mentioned her on the phone before.â