Daughter of a Witch

Off To College

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Westview house, casting a soft glow over the wooden floorboards. Boxes were scattered around Y/n's room, half-packed with clothes, books, and small personal items. Her college dorm move-in day had finally arrived, and with it, a whirlwind of emotions swirled through the house.

Y/n stood in front of her closet, holding up two different sweaters and trying to decide which one to bring. It was a mundane task, but every decision today felt weighty, charged with the knowledge that she'd be leaving the only home she'd ever really known in just a few short hours. Her heart ached with a mix of excitement and anxiety, the feeling of standing on the edge of something new, something unknown.

In the hallway, Rio was bustling around, her energy infectious as she moved from room to room, gathering last-minute things Y/n might have forgotten. "Did you pack enough socks?" Rio called out from the bathroom, where she was rummaging through a cabinet. "I swear, you never pack enough socks!"

Y/n smiled, her voice light with affection. "Yes, Mom, I packed plenty of socks." She returned to her bed, where she had laid out all the essentials she thought she might need. It wasn't much-a few favorite books, clothes, a framed photo of her family. She knew Rio would sneak in some extra things, though. Her mother always ensured Y/n had everything, down to the smallest detail.

Agatha, on the other hand, sat quietly on the edge of Y/n's bed, her hands resting in her lap. She watched Y/n with an intensity that hadn't gone unnoticed all morning. Her usual calm demeanor had been replaced with a silent struggle, one she hadn't voiced, but Y/n could feel it. Her mother was having trouble letting go.

"You don't have to take everything today," Agatha said softly, breaking the silence between them. "You can always come back for more later."

Y/n glanced over at her, her heart squeezing a little at the sight of her usually composed mother looking so vulnerable. Agatha was never one to wear her emotions on her sleeve, but today, it was written all over her face-this was hard for her. Letting Y/n go, even just for college, wasn't easy.

"I know," Y/n replied gently, setting the sweaters aside. She sat down next to Agatha on the bed, bumping her shoulder playfully against her mother's. "It's not like I'm moving to another dimension. I'll only be a few hours away."

Agatha chuckled at that, but it was a quiet sound, more reflective than amused. She turned to face Y/n fully, her expression softening as she reached into the pocket of her sweater and pulled out a small silver charm. The charm was delicate, shaped like a crescent moon, and it shimmered with faint, magical energy.

"I made this for you," Agatha said, her voice low but full of emotion. She held the charm out to Y/n, who accepted it with both hands, cradling it as if it were the most precious thing in the world. "It's a protection charm. Nothing too complicated-just something to keep you safe, no matter where you go."

Y/n's throat tightened as she looked down at the charm. She could feel the magic pulsing from it, warm and reassuring, a tangible reminder of her mother's love and the power that flowed through their family. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back, not wanting to make this moment any harder than it already was.

"Thank you, Mom," Y/n whispered, her voice barely audible as she clasped the charm around her neck. She could feel its weight settle against her chest, grounding her, connecting her to the home she was about to leave behind.

Agatha placed a hand on Y/n's shoulder, squeezing gently. "You're going to do great things, Y/n. I've always known that. But... you don't have to have everything figured out right away. Take your time, explore, and know that you can always come back here, no matter what."

Y/n nodded, her heart swelling with love for Agatha. "I know. And I'll be back for holidays, weekends... probably when I run out of clean clothes." She laughed, trying to lighten the mood, but the emotion behind her words was unmistakable. This was home, and leaving it, even for a while, was harder than she'd anticipated.

Just then, Rio popped her head into the room, holding up a pair of Y/n's shoes. "Found these under your bed. Seriously, how do you lose so many things in such a small space?"

Y/n grinned, rolling her eyes playfully. "Maybe because you keep hiding stuff when you try reorganizing my room?"

Rio walked into the room with a smirk, tossing the shoes into one of the boxes. "Hey, I'm just trying to keep you from living in chaos. You'll thank me one day." She nudged Agatha with her elbow as she plopped down on the other side of Y/n. "See, Agatha? You don't need to worry. Y/n's got this under control. And if not, well, we'll just come visit and fix everything for her."

Agatha gave Rio a look, but there was affection in her eyes. "You can't just swoop in and fix everything for her."

Rio shrugged, flashing a grin. "Watch me."

They all laughed, the tension in the room easing, even if only for a moment. Y/n leaned back, soaking in the presence of both her mothers, knowing that soon, moments like this would be fewer and farther between. The house, which had always been full of life, magic, and family, would feel a little emptier without her here.

But as much as she dreaded saying goodbye, Y/n knew this was the next step. Her path was waiting for her, and it was time to walk it, no matter how scary it might feel.

Later that afternoon, the car was packed, and the time had come to leave. Y/n stood by the door, her suitcase in hand, her heart pounding as she looked at her mothers. Agatha's arms were crossed, but her eyes betrayed the sadness she was trying to keep hidden. Rio, on the other hand, was all smiles, but Y/n could tell she was holding back her own tears.

"Okay, I think that's everything," Y/n said, her voice shaking slightly. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Rio pulled her into a tight hug, kissing the top of her head. "I'm so proud of you, kid. You're going to be amazing. Don't forget to call, okay? And don't just call when you need something-call just because."

Y/n smiled against her mother's shoulder. "I promise."

When Rio let her go, Agatha stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I love you, Y/n. So much. Don't ever doubt that, okay?"

Y/n felt her own tears threatening to spill over as she hugged Agatha tightly. "I love you too, Mom. I'll miss you. Both of you."

"And we'll miss you," Agatha whispered, her voice breaking just a little. "But we'll be here when you come home."

Y/n pulled back, giving them both a watery smile. "I'll come back soon. I promise."

The goodbye was bittersweet, a mixture of excitement and heartache. As Y/n climbed into the car and waved one last time, she felt the weight of the protection charm against her chest, a constant reminder of the love that would always guide her home.

As the car pulled away from the house, Y/n watched it grow smaller in the rearview mirror, knowing that even though she was leaving, she'd never really be gone. Her family, her magic, her love-they were all a part of her, no matter where she went.

And with that thought, the excitement of the future finally took hold as she drove toward her next adventure, carrying the strength of her family with her every step of the way.