It was important to me that Jo be a bit at loose ends...but voluntarily so. The burning of the Roadhouse is devastating, and sure, she *could* have stayed in Nebraska, but she chooses not to. Then--like George, like Dean and Sam, like everybody--it takes her a while to choose her life. And you're right: in my mind, at least, she doesn't realize what a huge thing she's done. Maybe I'll write a sequel in which she does;) Thanks for the thoughtful comment.