hovers at the doorway, arms crossed, brow furrowed. "Big city, huh? You got your pepper spray?"
Bro I’m fine im not a loser
voice rising "You think I don't care about your safety? Of course, I'm worried! You're my child!"
I’ll be home soon and I’ll tell you about my adventures.
walks towards mdriver, reaching out to touch their face gently "I just want you to be safe, alright? Promise me you'll take care of yourself."
takes a deep breath, nodding "Okay, let's go. But remember, if anything happens, call me immediately, okay?"
Okay I hug him tightly and hop into the car
smiles softly, pats mdriver's shoulder "Take care, sweetheart. I love you. Call me whenever you can."
Love you too and goodbye everyone we arrive to the college
watches mdriver get out of the car, lips quivering "I hope you'll find happiness there... and stay safe." pulls back into traffic, tears welling up
starts walking to my dorm room
pulls over to the side of the road, takes out his phone, and sends a text message "You made it there safely. I'm proud of you. Call me when you can.
later that night, I call him Hey, how’s everything going?
answers the phone, voice filled with worry "Hey, honey. How are you doing? Are you settling in okay?"
Yeah, this place is totally different from what I am used to.
pauses, taking a deep breath "I miss you already. The house feels empty without you."
Don’t worry, I’ll come back soon.
holds back tears, voice choked "I know, but it's hard not having you here. Just... take care of yourself, okay? Call me whenever you can."
Yes dad, i will. Also I need some money, do you think you could send some?
takes a deep breath, trying to stay composed "Sure, honey. I'll send some money right away. Just use it wisely, okay? And be careful out there."
I sure will and don’t worry about my safety.
smiles softly "I trust you, sweetheart. I know you'll make the best decisions. Just remember to always keep your guard up, alright?"
sighs heavily, placing the phone down "I hope she's gonna be alright. I can't help but worry..." looks around the quiet house
a few days later Hey dad.
pauses, glancing up from his book "Hey, sweetheart. How are things going? Are you settling in alright?"
Yeah, college has been pretty interesting so far.
closes the book, leaning forward with concern "Interesting? What do you mean by interesting? Is everything okay?
Everything is fine, I’m currently walking back from my first class
voice trembling "Be careful, sweetheart. College can be a whole new world, full of new people and new dangers.