Joseph was in the process of packing his bags when Samantha stole into his bedroom and covered his eyes. "Guess who?" she said. "You better get this right."
"Mrs. Schulman, how many times have I said I'm flattered, but I've already got a girlfriend? A much younger, more beautiful girlfriend." He twisted around to face her. "I wasn't sure you were coming back. I thought your cousins might need your help."
"They wanted me to be happy," she said. "So I came here."
He motioned to the knapsack she carried. "Are you planning on going somewhere?"
"I thought I might go to California," she said.
"Funny, I thought I might go to the same place."
"Maybe we should go together?" she said.
"Are you sure about that? I could transfer to MIT or the state college so you can be closer to your cousins. I know how much they mean to you."
"They don't mean the same to me as you. I love you, Joe. I don't care where we go so long as it's together." She kissed him, relief flooding over her now that she'd said these words at last. "I lost you once. I'm not going to do it again."
"What about Veronica? Is she really gone?"
"She died three years ago. Molly used the fountain to go back and stop her." Samantha described Molly's sacrifice to destroy Veronica and the cave. She finished with tears in her eyes. "They're both dead, but I still remember them being here with me."
She was surprised to see Joseph crying as well. "I can't believe it," he said. "She was so kind to me when I was there. If it weren't for her, Veronica would have killed me before you showed up. I can't believe she's gone."
They stood there in silence for a moment before Samantha asked, "How's your dad?"
"He's fine. He doesn't remember what happened, or at least he won't let on if he does. He might be repressing it."
"That's probably for the best." She wiped away her tears before adding, "I brought a friend over. I hope your father won't mind if she stays here. She's going through a rough time right now and I thought this might help."
"What's wrong with her?"
"She was Molly's adopted mother." Samantha described Rebecca's relationship to Molly and their last moments. "She's been dead for the last three years, but now she's back to life. I think it's a little too much for her to handle."
"That's horrible," he said. "I'm sure Dad won't mind if she stays here. He'll probably be glad to have someone around."