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Part 8: The next day...

As the sun was rising, Ella woke up. It was 5:45 am. She started to panic for no particular reason. Whenever Ella had a nightmare when she was little, she would run into her mother's room, her mother would pick her up and comfort her until she fell asleep. Tonight Ella ran into her mother's room, frightened of what her mother might say to her. As she walked into her dark room, she struggled to find her. She didn't want to turn on the light in case it woke her mother up with a fright. Her mother wasn't in the guest room, nor the living room, nor the kitchen. But there was something in the kitchen. A note. The note read...

Dear Ella                                                                                                                                                                                    How was your sleep? I'm so sorry if I frightened you. I am back in New Zealand, I didn't want to tell you when I got the email  because it might have worried you. Granddad has had a stroke and he needs me there. I know you have been planning this for a long time, but I really didn't want to ruin you'r holiday. Please don't worry about Granddad. He is fine, he is on strong medicine and luckily he remembers me. I told him all about you and the lotto ticket. He said he is so proud of you, and happy for you. Things happen in life darling, and this is just a start of life for you. 

Lot of love, Mama

Ella was surprised, nothing like this had ever happened to her grandfather before. She knew he was getting old, but not this old. Every time Ella saw her Grandfather, he was always, fit, healthy and happy. Now thinking of him in a cold, hospital bed in lots of pain made Ella feel sad. 

Her mother told her later that day on the phone to stay in France, and continue her journey. Part of Ella wanted to listen to her mother, but another part of her wanted to continue her amazing journey she had started. Later that day she got a call from her mother. She was crying, trying to speak, but the tears were soaking up her words. "What's wrong Mama?" Ella asked confused.

TO BE CONTINUED!...