She drove him to catch the bus in her fire engine red Ford Ranger that their parents had given her for graduation (Jackson got a Jeep). She found herself hugging him longer than usual and was surprised that a tear coursed down her face, which she quickly wiped away. She watched him get on the bus and thought that she had never felt as lonely in her life.

Within 2 days of Jackson's departure, Jennifer could think of nothing but when he would return. She had no appetite and had to force herself to eat. She had trouble falling asleep but, once asleep, didn't want to get out of bed....