Abundance

1.

"Are you sure that you want to do this, (y/n)? You know you can always stay home", my mom says. "Mom, I'm fine. Thank you." "Cherry, leave this girl alone. She's an adult who can make her own decisions", my dad says winking at me. I laughed to myself. My dad has always had my back ever since I was his little girl whenever my mom would criticize me about anything.

After years of saving up and praying, I finally decided to move out of my parent's home so I could live my own life. I tried once when I was 19, but I didn't have enough saved for the first two months of rent. My dad gave me extra money so I could buy any type of furniture that I needed or wanted. If it was up to my mom, she would have just bought the furniture that she wanted and would make me feel guilty if I wanted to return it afterwards. I brought my bed to my new apartment a couple of days ago, so at least I could have something to sleep on for the night.

"I think this is the last of it, Pumpkin", my dad says putting a basket on the back of my truck. Pumpkin is the nickname that my dad gave me because I was born on October 31st, which is Halloween. "Thank you, dad. I really appreciate you." "It's no problem", he says. "I'm really proud of you for finally leaving the nest and spreading your wings." "I still can't believe it, but the day has come." He goes in his pocket, pulling out his wallet.

"No, dad, you have given me enough money already." "Take it, Pumpkin. You'll need it for gas and food", he says stuffing the money in my shirt pocket. "I guess so." I hugged my dad one last time with tears in my eyes. He took his hand and rubbed my back for comfort as he was crying. "Make sure that you stop as many times as you need so you won't get tired", he says through his tears. "And don't talk to any strangers or wonder off with anyone." "I won't, dad", I cried laughing. "And stay cool in this heat. I fixed everything in your truck, so you shouldn't have any issues with it. If you do, go to an Auto shop, then call me", my dad says.

We let go of each other. "I will keep that in mind. I love you, daddy!", I cried again. "I love you, too, Pumpkin!", he kisses me on the forehead. "Now, get going before it gets too dark. And be safe." I got inside in my truck, started the engine, then looked at my dad who was still smiling at me with tears in his eyes. "I love you", he mouthed. "I love you, more." I gave him one more hug then I drove out of the driveway, heading for the road. The drive is only three hours, but depending on how traffic is, that three hours drive may turn into a five hours drive.

After about two hours on the road, I stopped at a gas station that was nearby so I could use the bathroom and buy a water and a light snack. The women's restroom was closed down for cleaning so I went into the men's restroom hoping that no one would walk in on me. After washing my hands, I checked myself in the mirror, then walked out. This guy walked past me giving me the side eye, but I ignored him, going to the snack aisle to grab a pickle, some fruit, and a bottle of water. "Will this be all for you, ma'am?", the guy at the counter says. "Yes, and can I get 20 on pump number three?" "Sure", he says. "Your total will be $34."

I hand the guy some of the money that my dad gave me, got my change, then left out the store so I could pump my gas. After doing that, I was headed back on the road again. Traffic wasn't too bad and I got to Virginia around five thirty. I called my parents to let them know that I made it and that I was getting the rest of my stuff out of my truck. A couple of my neighbors came outside peeking to see who was moving in, but didn't say a word to me, which I really expected. "I hate nosey neighbors", I said to myself. After taking some of the light stuff in the house, I started to take some of the heavy stuff.

I was doing fine until I picked up my box of dishes, which was really, really heavy. I was half way to the door when I guy yelled out at me. "Hey, do you need any help with that?", he says. "Please!", I yelled back. The guy stuffs his headphones in his pocket then runs over to help me. "Let me take this from your hands", he says picking up the box from me. "Do you mind if I go into your apartment?" "You're offering to help, so sure." "Thank you, but I still have to ask because I don't know you. I'm Juvenal, by the way", Juvenal says. We walked to the kitchen. "(Y/n), but you can call me Pumpkin." "Why 'Pumpkin'?", he laughs.