Though they were sad to lose a beloved sister, Hitty Dauphine and Hitty Too threw themselves into the project of creating a care package to ease Evalina on her way. They tried to consider every angle and anticipate every need.
They gathered a nice collection of things to send along with her to remind her of home: a quilt and pillow to keep her warm, a stuffed rabbit to snuggle, pajamas, an extra dress, books, pens, pencils, pencil holder, a pair of scissors, books, notebooks, a tea set and most importantly, at least to Hitty Dauphine's mind, a picture of herself so that Evalina would remember her loving sister.
They had gathered everything in the kitchen and were trying to get it organized when Evalina herself walked into the room.
"Hi guys, I was just looking for...Hey! What are you two up to, are we gathering things for another Haiti auction?" Asked Evalina.
"No silly, we are gathering things for you to take with you when you go away to school." Replied Hitty Dauphine.
"I found you this cozy quilt and pillow for your bed." Hitty Too offered.
"And I put together a few school supplies to get you started. I even got you your very own tea set. I figured you might like to have a cup of tea in your room when you were up late studying." Said Hitty Dauphine.
"Wow! I don't know what to say...thank you! Thank you both! I felt sure that you would both be mad at me, but I do so have my heart set upon going to school to learn to be a teacher. It's just that, well, we already have a teacher here at Weathertop." Said Evalina obviously touched by their thoughtfulness and generosity.
"I even got you some snacks for the plane and a framed photo of myself so that you won't forget me." Said Dauphine handing her the sweets.
"I could never forget you, Dauphine, or all of the fun we have had together. Never. I will write to you often and let you know how things are going. Will you write to me?" Asked Evalina a little apprehensively.
"Of course. And perhaps it will not be too long before we see each other again. I hear that there are a few Hitty reunions in the works. I sure will miss you though, Evalina."
"I will miss you too."
I would be lying if I said that no tears were shed this day, because many were shed on both sides but I think each of the girls came to terms with the changes in store for them and found a way to be happy and hopeful for each other no matter where their adventures might lead them.
Evalina will be boarding the postal bus early next week to travel to her new home. Everyone here wishes her the best of luck and most exciting adventures.