She couldn't bring too much luggage. Everything from before could be left behind. She'd only bring a few personal clothes and buy new things in France.
***
Ernest's call came in again. After some thought, Ivana answered.
Five years of feelings, even if they were breaking up, she wanted it to end as clearly as it began.
"Ivana, have you had enough? It's been half a month and you haven't been home. Tomorrow's Sydney's welcome-back dinner. I won't hold this against you anymore. Make that award-winning Eternal Companion fondant cake and bring it over."
"I can't make it." Ivana said casually.
He roared, "It's been half a month already, haven't you had enough?"
"Even another half a month won't be enough for me to come home," she said.
"What do you mean by that?" he puzzled.
"Oh no, don't scold her. Ivana might blame me," Sydney's syrupy voice chimed in.
Ivana said again, "I'm hospitalized. I can't make it."
Ernest exploaded, "What kind of illness lasts half a month? Stop pretending! She's your senior!"
Ivana found it utterly absurd. She couldn't understand what made Sydney a 'senior.'