Morning came quietly to Westmore. The sky slowly brightened as the first rays of sunlight touched the roofs of the houses. Birds sang from the trees, and the village began to wake for another day.
Inside the house, Miriam sat on her bed, holding her small bag close to her chest. Today was the day she was meant to begin a new journey, yet her heart felt heavy. Leaving home suddenly didn't feel as easy as she had imagined.
She looked around her room one last time, noticing the small details she had never paid attention to before — the worn corner of her desk where she had jotted notes, the patterned curtain that let the morning light dance across the floor, and the small bookshelf filled with stories she had read countless times. Each object held a memory, a comfort she knew she would miss.
Outside, Mr. and Mrs. Osei moved around the compound, preparing for the farm. From time to time, Mrs. Osei glanced toward the house. "She's very quiet this morning," she said softly.
Mr. Osei nodded. "Maybe she's still packing. Go and check on her before we leave."
Mrs. Osei walked slowly to Miriam's room, thinking her daughter was probably still busy packing.
Maybe she had misplaced something or was taking a little longer than usual.
But as she opened the door, she froze for a moment. Miriam sat quietly on the bed, staring at the floor. Her small bag and box lay untouched in the corner, and clothes were still neatly folded where they had been left the night before.
"Miriam…" Mrs. Osei said softly, stepping inside. "I thought you were packing. Why haven't you started yet?"
Miriam lifted her head, her eyes wide and filled with nervousness. "I… I just… I don't know if I'm ready, Mama," she whispered. "I thought I would feel ready, but… I'm scared."
Her fingers moved around with the band of her bag as she spoke, twisting it nervously. She could feel her heart beating quickly, a mix of fear and excitement. The thought of leaving the only home she had ever known made a nervous feeling in the stomach, yet deep down, she knew she had to take this step.
Mrs. Osei knelt beside her and gently held her hands. "Oh, my dear… it's okay. Leaving home is a big step. But you have everything you need to be brave. You don't have to rush. We'll stay a little longer if you want."
Just then, Mr. Osei appeared at the doorway, his eyes scanning the room. He noticed Miriam sitting quietly, her bag untouched, and a small frown of concern appeared on his face. "So she hasn't started packing yet," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. Then he looked at his wife. "Mama, I think we should stay a little longer. Maybe she needs some time to gather her courage."
Mrs. Osei nodded, a soft smile on her face. "Yes, she's our daughter. Today is important, but we can share this moment with her a little more."
Miriam's eyes widened.
"No, Papa… Mama… I want to go. I want to see the farm one last time. This is my goodbye to Westmore. I want to leave with my own heart."
Her parents exchanged a glance, a mix of pride and gentle worry in their eyes. Mr. Osei stepped forward and rested a hand on her shoulder. "If that is what you truly want, Miriam, then we will honor it. And promise us you will remember everything we taught you."
"I promise, Papa," Miriam whispered, her voice trembling slightly, but with determination shining in her eyes.
Mrs. Osei held her daughter close, giving her a warm hug. "Go then, my dear. Go with our blessing and love. We will be here, cheering you on, always."
Miriam took a deep breath and looked back at her room, imagining herself returning one day, filled with stories and memories of a life she was about to begin. She ran her hand across the bedspread and felt a strange mix of sadness and excitement, knowing that this moment would stay with her forever.
Miriam smiled softly, holding their words close to her heart. For the first time that morning, she felt a calm courage settle in her chest. Today marked the beginning of something new — a step toward her dreams, and, perhaps, toward unexpected joys.
Miriam stood slowly, taking a deep breath as she picked up her small bag. Her parents watched quietly, smiling, their hearts full of pride and love.
"I'll go now," she said softly. "I want to see the farm one last time… my goodbye to Westmore."
Mr. Osei rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Go with our blessing, my daughter. Be brave, be kind, and remember everything we taught you."
Mrs. Osei hugged her tightly, whispering, "We will always be here for you, cheering you on. Go and make your dreams come true."
Stepping onto the familiar path leading to the farm, Miriam felt the cool morning breeze brush her face. She walked slowly, taking in every corner, every tree, every memory. This was her home, her life, the place that had shaped her.
Her steps slowed as she noticed the little details — the stone wall she had leaned on as a child, the small stream where she and her friends had played, the old mango tree that had shaded her afternoons of reading. Every sight reminded her that leaving wasn't losing, but carrying a part of home with her wherever she went.
She stopped for a moment, feeling the warm sun and the fresh air around her. The soft sound of the leaves reminded her of the mornings she had spent there. With a calm heart and a small smile, she said goodbye and prepared for her new journey.