Among so many extreme emotions, his farewell passed way more unnoticed than it would have been expected. In fact, Joseph was the most surprised of all at how little sorry he was. Days later, he realized it wasn't so much due to disappointment regarding their friendship, or due to a subconscious jealousy, as to the germination of an idea already resolved by his friend: they'd go too. They'd all go. He'd even invite his mother and her partner to come with them.
Suddenly, they seemed to have the wind behind them. His mother's partner thought it feasible. Having spent over ten years there, it wouldn't be difficult for him to get a pass for the spaceship. He'd probably be authorized to bring a group of people, especially if he provided the psychotherapeutic reasons that would justify Lorraine's and the girls' exile. Besides, he and Joseph's mother, although they'd found peace and joy on Planet Eleven, wouldn't mind making a long stay, or even spending the rest of their lives, again on Earth. They didn't feel they had roots anywhere. They were more of the idea that home is where the heart is. And, luckily for them, their hearts felt at home by simply being together.
Joseph rushed to tell Roxanne the news, only a few days later. He wanted to talk it over with her first, before extending the offer to the others.
"No," she answered. "No way. I couldn't possibly leave now."
"But, why not?"
"My mother is buried here. I don't want to go and leave her all by herself."
Joseph was about to counter that her mother was alive, until he remembered the poor girl's maternal mess.
"I can't rebut that," the young man said, with a prolonged exhalation. "I certainly respect and understand it. However, I think - and I know I have no right of say whatsoever - that your mother would most probably not wish to become another mooring rope for you. Actually, I believe she would agree that you've had more than enough already."
"If you mean I feel compelled to stay, you're wrong. It is my will… and I also owe it to her."
"See? It is very reasonable that you want to express your love for your birthmother, but you have to admit that, as cruel as it may sound, it won't do her any good if you stay, and her fight for freedom, to the point of death, will have been senseless if, now that you have the chance, you don't seize it."
Joseph's line of argument was quite convincing. However, Roxanne couldn't stop feeling guilty for Violet's death and she extrapolated it to obsessively refusing to abandon the graves.