They had both stopped in front of the school about to go their separate way home when Mieko replied saying that she has to baby-sit the young Tolkien children tonight and that she should rush home to get ready.
They both turned their separate ways, got on to their bicycles, waved to each other vigorously and rode off down the street. Mieko felt sad that she was leaving her friend now as they would share everything together after school everyday but she knew she had responsibilities to the children tonight. Realizing the time she pushed harder at the pedals to get home on time for something to eat before she went to the Tolkien famiy.