Sarah felt awkward under the shocked stares of her parents. They looked at one another, then at her, then at each other again. Sarah shifted her weight to her other foot, waiting for them to say something.

But they didn't. Instead, her mother wordlessly stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug before promptly bursting into tears. Sarah's father, Toby in one arm, followed suit, planting a firm kiss on the top of her head.

"You were gone for over a month," her mother sobbed, "We thought you were never coming back."

Sarah smiled, feeling her own eyes brimming with tears.

"Well, I did," she said, returning their warm hugs.

"We're so glad you did," her father said shakily, "Please don't ever leave again."

"I won't. I promise," Sarah added. She turned to her little brother, stroking his cheek. "Hey, Toby. Did you miss me?" Little Toby responded by stretching out a hand to her. Sarah laughed, enveloping it in her own. "Don't worry, Toby, you're not going to lose your big sister. Not ever."