Lost Creek Hollow Little Bird

Esma's narrator thinks that the way Ash star responded to her daughter's reasons for leaving spoke volumes on, how much they truly understood each other. For most parents hearing that their child is about to embark on a spiritual journey and plans to do it in all earnesty, that would be a frown-worthy moment. A heated argument would follow that would end in hurt feelings on both sides and some distancing from each other as well. 

The exchange between Esma and her mother was different, because for each the spiritual plane was very important. Therefore going out in the world to seek fulfillment in this particular area of life did not raise any questions. It was very logical. 

"I will. I have my whole life for it," Esma replied and smiled. "I promise. I will," she said.