The siblings fell silent, feeling a sense of desolation and unwillingness to part.

Soon, Sage was done packing. She walked out of her room with luggage in hand and Trent trailing behind her. She went to her parents’ room and knocked on the door. “Father, Mother, I’m leaving for Northbound for the selection.”

No reply came from inside the room where the couple were hugging each other and crying. Sage waited for a while, then said when there was no response, “I’m sorry to always worry you. I’m