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“How do I get this open?” My dad cursed as he fumbled with the trunk of the car.
Dean did a quick about-face and headed over to help him. My dad mumbled a reluctant thank you before adding my bags in beside Dean’s.
Lylah padded down the porch stairs in her pajamas and bunny slippers and I couldn’t help but laugh.
“I’m gonna miss you,” she mumbled into my shoulder as she hugged me.
“I’ll miss you too. I’ll call as often as I can and send you pictures. I promise.”
“You better.” She sniffled, pulling away.
She was replaced by Mascen.
“Come here,” I opened my arms, “you know you want to hug me. Maybe some of my awesomeness will rub off on you in the process.”
His sad smile lifted into a genuine one and he hugged me close.
My dad was next.
Then my mom.
Mathias.
My dad…again.
Remy.
And my dad yet again.
He held me so tight I couldn’t even breathe.
“Uh, dad,” I patted his back, “you’re squishing me.” He held tighter. “Dad, you have to let go now.”
For some reason those words seemed oddly symbolic.
He hadn’t acted this sad when I left for college.
Maybe he knew as well as I did that college wasn’t where my true adventure lay.
“Be careful,” he whispered in my ear. “And just in case you encounter any crazies on the road I slipped some pepper spray into your backpack.”
“I’m going to be fine,” I assured him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too, princess.”
He finally released me and I backed towards the car.
Dean had been standing outside it, a few feet away, but now he jumped forward to open the door for me.
My dad walked away from the car and stood on the first step, looking forlorn.
My mom stepped down beside him and leaned her head on his shoulder. She smiled encouragingly at me, assuring me everything would be okay with just one look. That was the power of a mom.
Dean jumped into the car, forgoing the door, and began to pull away.
I didn’t expect to feel so sad to leave, but as I looked back at my family gathered together waving goodbye I couldn’t help but find myself tearing up.
I dammed back the waterworks and raised my hand to wave as Dean turned the car around and began the trek down the dirt road.
