How do I actually leave a party after announcing goodbye three times?
Funny'You're back!' the host said. I had only reached the hallway.
My first goodbye led to somebody finding my missing scarf. My second led to a friend wanting to finish a story. My third led to the host wrapping two biscuits for me to take home.
I enjoy these people. I also told my sister I'd be home by ten because she was waiting for me to help arrange her room before tomorrow. It is now ten past, and I am standing beside my coat with the biscuits.
The host says there's no rush. I keep saying, 'I really should go,' then responding to the next conversation. At this point, my departure has become a recurring event with catering.
How do I make the fourth goodbye sound final without suggesting that I regret staying for the story, scarf or biscuits?