At this point, do you genuinely think it is something she is trying to express a signal? I would gently try to test her what is this saying to her. Is she scared of what two or three hour drive are? Is she questioning your dependence?

Talk about the importance of saving gasoline your expenditures. Is she thinking about dissociation and what your to symbolically share or want you to share? Has there been example of what you discussed this is a form of emotional abuse and manipulation. Is there a toxic person they want you to never to get involved with? If they don't answer or seem just forget it then it is really is time to move on...