Zuflucht

7

Curt~

"Well, I guess this is it." Will dropped his bag full of his most important items in the backseat of his used car and clapped his hands together. The whole family was currently outside as he was fixing to depart off to Ithaca University.

"Oh, sweetie..." My mom had tears in her eyes as she made her way up to him for a tight hug. Although her emotions currently showed how much she would miss him, she was more than happy one of us was going to college.

"Try not to have too much fun son." Dad chuckled and ruffled his hair once he and my mom were done with their small crying session (her crying session really). After a few minutes of rambling about the route he had chosen to take, they hugged and said their goodbyes before my father stood beside my mother.

"This is really it man." He nearly glowed from excitement as I now made my way towards him. Through his eyes you could see the countless thoughts he was having about finally living for himself and by himself.

"Yeah man, almost doesn't seem real yet y'know?" I kept on a big smile despite the small pain on my chest.

"We're all really gonna miss you."

"Don't have me out here crying like a bitch before I leave to become a man." He laughed with light tears welling in his eyes.

"Language!" My mom lighly mused although she couldn't deny the light chuckle that escaped her lips either.

"Hey man." My tone was now switched back to seriousness. I had to clench my jaw once everything in my mind was beginning to fully realize how real the situation is.

This is something I should have done a few years back.

"I really am proud of you, man. We all are. Go out there and make us all proud. I know you will." He pulled me into a hug and suddenly it felt like we were young again. The idea of being separated from my little brother didn't even seem real.

"Take care of them for me Curt." He joked as he sniffled and motioned towards my parents who were now bickering about how much they would contact Will once he was gone.

"Someone has too." We laughed as he began making his way towards the car.
I couldn't help but notice the black and brown puppy that waddled outside from the doggy door dad had installed shortly after Will got her. She made her way over towards Will happily and wagged her tail which caught his attention.

"Definitely make sure to take care of ole Mills here." He laughed as she started trying to lick his face shortly after he lifted her up into his arms. She yapped at him before he put her back down and began petting her for a few seconds before he fully made his way into his car.

"Be careful son!" Dad waved with one arm while the other was wrapped around mom. She too raised her hand along with me as he turn on the ignition and secured his seatbelt around him.
We called out our 'I love you's' as he waved one more time himself then put the car into drive and drove off. I really did live up to my words and I really am proud of him, but I couldn't help the feeling that continued to grow where my heart is. Regardless, I love my brother and I only wanna see him succeed.
I was suddenly taken out of my thoughts from Milly as she made a small whine.

Guess it's just you and me Milly.