Emily, you don't want to be late on your first day!"
My dad's voice echoed up the stairs from the living room below.
I come from a pretty happy family. I'm an only child, pampered, loved, and given almost everything I ever asked for. People often assume I'm a spoiled brat… until they actually get to know me. Yes, I was given a lot, but I was also raised right by my parents.
And today...today is my first day as I university student.
I couldn't be more excited.
I've always wondered what it would feel like to be away from home. I was so used to the comfort of my parents, the familiarity of my room, the safety of knowing everything would be okay. I felt a little sad, but I knew this was necessary. This was how I'd grow. This was how I'd become a better version of myself.
But first… my outfit had to be perfect.
"I'm coming Dad, just trying to lock my door!" I called back as I hurried down the stairs.
As soon as I reached the living room, I noticed my mum. She looked a bit down.
"Oh, Mummy," I said softly, kissing her forehead. "You can't be missing me already."
"You are my baby," she replied with a light smile. "Of course I'll miss you."
That did it. My heart tightened just a little.
"Okay, everyone car time!" Dad announced.
It had started raining, and before I could reach for the umbrella behind the door, Mum had already picked it up.
God, I was going to miss being this loved.
As we drove through the streets of my neighborhood, nostalgia crept in quietly. I had never been away from home for more than a day. Even the one night I slept over at a friend's house in high school, I rushed back home early the next morning, uncomfortable and restless.
And now here I was moving away to live by myself, kilometers from home, at just seventeen.
Life was getting real.
I wasn't someone who got shaken easily. I knew I would cope. I just hoped the environment would cope with me.
"Don't worry, Emily," my dad said, as if reading my thoughts. "I got you a spot in the best dorm on campus."
I loved this man so much. Truly, if my future partner isn't half the man my dad is, they shouldn't even bother.
"Thank you, Daddy," I said, smiling at him through the rearview mirror.
After what felt like a never-ending drive, one hour and forty-five minutes, yes, I'm very good at keeping time
we finally arrived.
We parked just opposite the grand iron gates of the college. Two towering pillars stood on either side, and above them was a massive signboard in gold lettering. It looked too perfect to be fake.
CRESTFORD COLLEGE.
I picked up my pink Birkin bag and my phone from the seat beside me.
Like I said earlier...I'm a girl of fashion.
Dad stepped out first and signaled the porter to help with the luggage from the boot of his Cybertruck. I noticed Mum had been quiet the entire journey. I was her everything, her handbag, as she liked to joke so I expected nothing less.
"Mummy, cheer up," I said, hugging her from behind. "I'll be fine."
She turned to me, her eyes soft but worried.
"Cupcake," she said gently, "please try to stay out of trouble, okay?"
My mum has the most beautiful soul I have ever known calm, graceful, and full of love.
"Okay, Mummy" I promised, stepping out of the car.
"Bye, Daddy. Bye, Mum," I said, standing beside the porter. I blew my dad a kiss and hurried toward the gate, trying to avoid getting wet.
But the moment I stepped through those gates, and they closed behind me...
I felt it.
A sudden shake in my chest.