Damara leaving Sugarbush Valley

So this will be the last installment in the Damara series. She will soon be on her way to her hometown of Rooibosh Hill.

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Damara took one last look at the empty room, and felt a bitter sweet emotion overwhelming her. She desperately wants to go home, but the whole trip and the few days in Sugarbush was so special.

She headed to the kitchen to find Mona and greet her, but she was surprised to discover a few other Commune-residents there too. She has greeted most of the villagers the previous evening, so it meant a great deal that some of them wanted to say good bye again. "Oh there you are!" it was Mona. "Are you ready to leave?" she asked Damara. "Yes I am, thank you for everything Mona." and a huge knot formed in her throat. She quickly hugged everyone, trying very hard not to cry.

As she turned to leave, Mona quickly hurried up to her, "Hey, wait for me?" Damara looked surprised, "Are you going with me?" Mona smiled, "Of course, dear, I will never let you walk to the bus stop alone." Damara smiled and the relief washed over her. This was not a good time to be alone.

Damara informed Mona that she would quickly like to buy a snack for the trip. She didn't feel like eating that morning, and knew she would be hungry as soon as the bus pulled out of Sugarbush Valley. "I know just the place." Mona smiled. They headed for the Deli. Damara was fortunate to meet more villagers. This time it was Hector Corntop and Durwood Chestnut, who turned out to be Pansy's husband. "Pansy told me about the lovely stranger she met, now I can told her I've met you too." Durwood announced proudly.

While Damara surveyed the Deli for something to eat, Mona and Hector chatted about general things. Damara was sorry that she haven't discovered the Deli earlier. It was another wonderful gastronomic institution.

Damara settled on a simple sandwich filled with pastrami, lettuce and tomato and an organic juice. "Will that be all?" the friendly Hector inquired. "Unfortunately yes, but I would have loved to buy more." Damara apologised.

On her way out, Damara was pleased to bump into another friend she made, Bethanie Woodbrook. "Aaah Damara, I'm glad I caught you. You must have a save trip and hopefully one day our paths will cross again. Please write to me?" and Bethanie handed her a piece of paper with an address. Damara acknowledged that she would, hugged her friend tightly and excused herself.

Still ahead of time Mona and Damara wandered at a leisurely pace towards the bus stop. Admiring the scenery and chatting about Damara's visit.

They also passed the small clinic where Andrey Buttermilk was examining Charlotte Brighteyes' teeth.

"Bye bye all." Damara called out, feeling much more confident about leaving. "Bye Damara," they called out, "it was nice meeting you!"

They also passed the school where Mr Chiffon was explaining a confusing Latin term to Katie Darwin and Wren Farthing.

"Bye Damara, do come visit us again!" they greeted as Mona and Damara passed.

Soon they arrived at the bus stop. Others was already waiting there.

And Damara couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Irene Bearbury. "Are you going somewhere too, Irene?" she asked carefully? "No silly, I came to say good bye to you."Irene replied. Damara felt the silly knot in her throat rise again.

She was also glad to see Blanka and Kaitlin there too. They informed here that they are going on a day drip to Meadowfield Falls, to attend a baby expo. Damara was overjoyed that she would have some company on her trip.

While they waited for the bus, Damara and Irene settled on one of the wooden benches and talked like they have been friends since childhood. Damara knew that she had formed a friendship with Irene that will last forever.

Too soon the bus arrived, and it was time to go. Kelly Basset must have noticed the somber mood, as he tried his best to cheer up everyone with his jokes.

Damara hugged Irene tightly, trying to keep the words to a minimum.

Damara also thanked Mona for her kindness, help and friendship.

"All aboard!" Kelly announced, probably sensing the river that might be cried if he didn't cut in. "Leave your luggage to me, I will load it." as he pushed Blanka's buggy to the boot.

And just like that, the bus sped off, and Damara's time in Sugarbush Valley came to an end!