Revealing silences

Changes and Goodbyes

The summer holidays were coming to an end, and Emma was in her room, packing her bags for a special family trip. Her parents had decided to take a well-deserved break in nature before she left for university. It was a family tradition to spend time together before the start of each school year, but this year they had chosen a particular destination in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

"Emma, are you ready?" called her mother from the bottom of the stairs. Emma checked one last time to make sure she had everything she needed: warm clothes for the cool nights at altitude, her sketchbooks, and a good book to relax with. She went down the stairs with her backpack on her shoulder, where her parents were eagerly waiting for her. "Ready for an outdoor adventure?" asked her father, smiling as he loaded the suitcases into the trunk of the car.

"Absolutely," Emma replied excitedly, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'm looking forward to spending some time together before I leave for Yale." The drive to the secluded cottage in the mountains was picturesque, with the green landscape scrolling by through the car window. Emma and her parents chatted happily along the way, reminiscing about past holidays and discussing future plans.

When they finally arrived, the chalet stood majestically among the hundred-year-old trees, with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Emma took a deep breath of the fresh, clean air, feeling a wave of calm and serenity wash over her. The following days were filled with adventures: hiking on forest trails, fishing afternoons by a peaceful lake, and evenings around a campfire, laughing and sharing stories under a starry sky. During these moments, Emma felt a renewed connection with her parents. They talked about everything and nothing, reflecting on her journey so far and the exciting challenges that awaited her at university.

One evening, as they sat together on the porch of the cottage, the sun slowly setting on the horizon, Emma realized how precious this family time was. It was a welcome break before the next chapter of her life. "Thank you for organizing this trip," Emma said, looking at her parents with affection. "It was exactly what I needed before leaving." Her mother smiled softly. "We just wanted to spend time together, away from everything. I'm glad you like it, my dear."

"We will miss you when you're at Yale," her father added with a mixture of pride and nostalgia.

Liam couldn't believe the day had finally arrived. Since he was little, he had dreamed of visiting Japan, fascinated by the culture, cuisine, and history of this distant country. Now, thanks to his parents, his dream was finally coming true.

On the morning of departure, Liam checked his passport and luggage one last time, his heart pounding with excitement. His parents had planned this big surprise to make up for not being as present as they would have liked in recent years. This time, the three of them were determined to make the most of every moment together.

The flight was long but exciting. Liam looked out the porthole in wonder as the plane flew over the snow-capped mountains of East Asia, slowly approaching their long-awaited destination. When they landed in Tokyo, Liam was overwhelmed by the excitement of the city. The bright lights, the sounds of the streets, and the enticing scents from street food stalls captivated him. They had chosen to stay in a small apartment in Shibuya, in the heart of the bustling urban life.

The following days were filled with adventures and discoveries. They visited ancient temples in Kyoto, explored Zen gardens in Kamakura, and strolled through lively districts in Tokyo such as Shinjuku and Akihabara. Liam was spellbound by the beauty and diversity of Japan. Every day brought new surprises: the delicate tea ceremonies, futuristic robots in Odaiba, and delicious sushi and ramen meals they enjoyed together.

One evening, while sitting on a bench in a quiet park in Kyoto, Liam turned to his parents with a radiant smile. "Thank you," he said simply, but with deep emotion in his voice. His father laid an affectionate hand on his shoulder. "We wanted this trip to be special for you, Liam. You deserve to see the world and make your dreams come true."