NEW PACK

Samuel places the last of the bags in the back of his truck. My parents stand by the door, with my father bracing mum as she watches us with tear filled eyes. It is a mix of both happy and sad tears. Although she is happy that I am getting a fresh start, she is also sad to see me go. It is the same for me.

I have spent the last half hour, while Samuel was loading up, telling them goodbye. I have hugged and kissed them at least a dozen times. I was not sure they were going to let me go.

"Are you ready?" he asks, closing the tailgate and proceeding to my side of the vehicle. His hand rests on the door handle while he awaits my reply. He watches the brief exchange of emotions between me, my Mom, and Dad.

I smile at them and they return it just as happily despite the tears. They are truly happy ones. I lift my hand and give them a last wave goodbye with a slight movement of my hand while trying to convince myself that this is the right thing to do. I know that it is, but now, here in the