Their friendship survives separation, which is key. Heidi goes back to the Alps, and they are apart for a considerable time. Yet, Clara's desire to visit never wanes; it grows. That shows the relationship wasn't just situational convenience in Frankfurt. It was a lasting, meaningful connection that endured distance. In the chronology of the summary, this is important: their bond isn't broken by Heidi's departure; it's the reason for the next chapter of the story. It establishes their friendship as resilient and destiny-shaping, not just a temporary childhood alliance. It had the strength to pull Clara across the country to a completely foreign way of life.