I'd thought I reviewed this at some point, but...in any case, this is a very fine, intimate story, with just the right ending. There's no Hallmark "everything is fine" conclusion, but a quiet desperation that in context seems wholy appropriate. Thanks for writing it.

What a tear jerker!  Neither of my two boys ran away although the teen years were harrowing indeed.  And the 20 year old at home still gives me the "go away" when I knock on his door.  Ah, the joys of parenting.  

very well done, thank you. ends on a thought everyone can appreciate.

Wow, I really liked this story.  “He wasn’t very good at it, though. He cursed a lot, and I don’t think he’s parallel parked, like, ever.” <---That line made me laugh out loud - completely in character for Dawn.

Ah the joys of parenthood - it's tough enough when you're actually the mother, so Buffy's difficulties with Dawn are all too believable.  The monks must have given Dawn flawed memories if she thinks it was a happy welcome home after Buffy's LA adventures!  Well done.