Great Book, Sad Meeting

Today was our Page Turner's meeting.  We read an amazing book.  It was unique.  It took an old subject and made it more interesting.  I was afraid the book would be disturbing.  It is based on the fact that a 19 year old girl was kidnapped.  She is being held captive in a room.  She is raped and had a child from the assault.  The book opens with the boy turning five years old.  It should be a tragic, sad story.  It is tragic.  It is sad.  The way the story is written gives it such a twist.  I rated this book a 5 because it was unique.  Oddly, the man that held her captive was barely a part of the story.  That is because the story is through the perspective of the boy.  We had a fantastic discussion.  Unfortunately, I could not really enjoy it.
What should have been a great meeting ended up being very sad for me.  A few months ago the person I have been friends the longest with in our old town joined the book club.  She is not a joiner by nature.  I was thrilled that I convinced her she would enjoy it.  She has enjoyed it too.  Every month she has become more involved in the group.  She and I have been friends since 1982.  We met at a little insurance company.  We have a long history.  Tonight she told me she is moving North.  To another state.  They sold their house.  She is retiring early.  They leave next week.
I think it was shocking to the other Page Turners that my friend did not tell me until tonight.  What kind of close friend does not tell the friend she is moving.  My friend.  It is how she goes through life.  She is so great at denial.  I have seen her ignore her way through some terrible times.  She does not panic.  She does not get excited.  She just lives in the day.  Her house was on the market for months.  She never imagined it would really sell.  They went up North and found a place to live.  Until she pulls out of her driveway it will not be real to her. 
We are not "call each other up and chat friends."  Though I would gladly call her up and chat.  That is not her personality.  She promises she will be back for next month's meeting.  I hope she will.  Last summer we had our greatest adventure together.  We went to see Carole King and James Taylor in concert.  We had a fantastic time.  We always do.  I know we do not see each  often.  I know we will see each other again.  I am still sad.  It is always nice to know she is there.  Living in our old neighborhood.  Best of luck my Forever Friend.  I hope you make it to the meeting next month!  You picked the book.