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 a university student.
I couldn't be more excited.
Excited and… a little scared.
I stood in front of my mirror for a second longer than necessary, adjusting the hem of my outfit and tilting my head slightly to the side. I wanted everything to be perfect. Not just good. Perfect.
Today mattered.
"I'm coming, Dad, just trying to lock my door!" I called back, grabbing my bag and taking one last look around my room.
It suddenly felt different.
Like it wasn't fully mine anymore.
As I hurried down the stairs, the familiar scent of home wrapped around me, warm and comforting. The soft hum of the air conditioner, the ticking of the wall clock, the quiet clatter from the kitchen everything felt normal.
Too normal.
As soon as I stepped into the living room, my eyes landed on my mum. She was sitting quietly, her hands folded on her lap, and something about her expression made me slow down.
"Oh, Mummy," I said softly, walking over to her and placing a kiss on her forehead. "You can't be missing me already."
"You are my baby," she replied with a small smile. "Of course I'll miss you."
That did it.
My chest tightened just a little.
"Okay, everyone, car time!" Dad announced, clapping his hands once like he always did when he wanted things moving.
It had started raining, light at first, then steady. Before I could reach for the umbrella behind the door, Mum had already picked it up and handed it to me.
God, I was going to miss being this loved.
The drive was quiet at first. Just the sound of rain tapping gently against the car windows and the occasional hum of passing vehicles.
I sat in the back seat, watching the streets I knew so well slowly fade behind us. The familiar shops, the small turns, the places I had grown up seeing every day they all looked different now.
Like I was seeing them for the last time.
I had never been away from home for more than a day. Even the one time I slept over at a friend's house, I left early the next morning, uncomfortable and restless.
And now I was leaving for good.
Well... not forever.
But it felt like it.
I shifted slightly in my seat, exhaling slowly.
I wasn't someone who got shaken easily. I knew I would adjust. I just hoped the environment would adjust to me too.
"Don't worry, Emily," my dad said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror like he could read my thoughts. "I got you a spot in the best dorm on campus."
I smiled.
I loved this man so much. Truly, if my future partner isn't half the man my dad is, then I don't want him.
"Thank you, Daddy," I said softly.
The drive felt long. One hour and forty-five minutes. Yes, I was counting.
When we finally arrived, I leaned forward slightly, trying to get a better view.
Then I saw it.
We parked just opposite the grand iron gates of the college. Two towering pillars stood on either side, strong and intimidating, and above them was a massive signboard in bold gold lettering.
CRESTFORD COLLEGE.
It looked too perfect to be real.
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 Car. Mum hadn't said much during the ride, and now I understood why.
I was her everything.
Her "handbag," as she liked to joke.
"Mummy, cheer up," I said, hugging her from behind. "I'll be fine."
She turned to me slowly, her eyes soft but filled with something deeper.
"Cupcake," she said gently, "please try to stay out of trouble, okay?"
There was something in her tone that made me pause.
My mum has the most beautiful soul I have ever known calm, graceful, and full of love.
"Okay, Mummy," I promised.
I stepped out of the car, adjusting my bag on my shoulder.
"Bye, Daddy. Bye, Mum."
I blew my dad a kiss and gave my mum one last look before turning toward the gate, moving quickly to avoid the rain.
But the moment I stepped through those gates...
And they closed behind me...
Something shifted.
I stopped.
It wasn't loud.
It wasn't visible.
But I felt it.
A sudden, unfamiliar shake in my chest.
Like something had been waiting for me.