Half a month slipped by quietly, and at last, the day came for Annie and Isolde to return to Country B. From the break of dawn, they were already up, preparing and packing their belongings with care.

There wasn't much to take home-everything unnecessary, especially things easily bought back in their homeland, had long been given away to neighbors and acquaintances.

Just as they finished, the crisp chime of Annie's phone rang out.

"Annie, are you and Isolde ready? The taxi I booked is waiting ...