Using all her willpower Karyn decided to bluff Jon's mother. "He, um, said he had to go out for a few minutes. He didn't tell me why, sorry." Karyn's voice wavered slightly as she held back the tears.
Jon's mother didn't seem to notice Karyn's anguish. "Hm, I don't know what goes through that boy's head sometimes. I've got to go out for a while." She paused while she considered her options. "I suppose it would be okay if you waited for him to come back."
Karyn nearly broke down knowing that he was probably never returning. She took a deep breath before making a monumental effort to give a little smile. "Thanks," she said to the older woman.
Jon's mother left Karyn on her own as she closed the bedroom door behind herself.
Karyn collapsed on to her knees holding the wishing stone tightly in her hands. The tears began flowing down her face as she cried like she had never cried before.
