Annie Colwater and her husband, Blake, drive their 17-year-old daughter, Natalie, to the airport because she will be spending three months in London. Annie is apprehensive because she has spent her whole adult life as a wife and mother. At 39 years old, these are the roles that have defined her, but she does not know what she will do with herself after Natalie leaves. She and Natalie have always had a close relationship. Trips abroad are not uncommon for girls Natalie’s age with the significant financial means that the Colwaters have. Blake is distracted by his driving, and Annie worries that he is missing out on yet another important moment because of his distraction. Annie is proud of her daughter’s independence when she tells her father that she wants the adventure of flying coach rather than flying first class. When Natalie boards the plane, Annie misses the affection that her husband would have shown her in such moments years ago. Annie wants to go home where all of her belongings are around her to remind her of who she is. On the way home, Annie asks Blake about going to Mystic, her hometown, because she misses it.