My country side

Neville #3

The days leading up to my departure dragged on like molasses. My parents didn't speak much about the impending move, but the tension in the house was palpable. I busied myself packing, shoving clothes and a few personal items into a duffel bag, but nothing could shake the knot of dread tightening in my stomach.

Finally, the day arrived. My parents loaded the car with my luggage, and we drove in silence to the train station. I stared out the window, watching the city I'd known my whole life fade away, replaced by sprawling fields and distant hills. It felt surreal, like I was in a movie where the protagonist was about to undergo a life-changing journey, but I wasn't ready for my role.

As we pulled into the station, my heart raced. The platform was bustling with travelers, families saying goodbye and friends embracing. I felt a wave of loneliness wash over me. This wasn't how I wanted my summer to begin.

"Let's get this over with," my dad said, breaking the silence as he parked. I glanced over at him, his expression unreadable, and I felt a stab of guilt. They didn't want to send me away, but they felt they had no choice.

We stepped out of the car, and I grabbed my duffel bag, feeling the weight of it as we walked toward the platform. The familiar smell of diesel and the sound of trains arriving filled the air, but all I could focus on was the lump in my throat.

"Your train leaves in about fifteen minutes," my mom said, glancing at her watch. "Do you have everything?"

"Yeah," I muttered, trying to sound nonchalant, but my voice cracked. I knew I should be more appreciative, but it was hard to see past my frustration.

As we stood there, awkwardly shuffling our feet, I could see my parents exchanging glances. "We just want what's best for you, Neville," my dad finally said, his tone softer. "You need to understand that."

"I know," I replied, looking down at my shoes. "But this isn't fair."

"It's not supposed to be easy," my mom said gently. "But we believe it will help you grow. And we'll always be here for you."

"Right," I said, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. I wanted to scream, to tell them how much I hated this situation, but I also felt the heaviness of their concern and love.

The announcement for my train echoed through the station, and I felt a pit in my stomach. "This is it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Let's get you to the platform," my dad said, and we walked toward the train, the sounds of the station swirling around us.

Once we reached the platform, I stood awkwardly, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. My parents stood beside me, looking out at the horizon, their faces a mixture of hope and concern.

"I'll call you when I get there," I said, trying to sound upbeat, but it came out more like a promise than a reassurance.

"Just remember, this is a chance," my mom said, her eyes searching mine. "Make the most of it."

"I will," I replied, though I wasn't entirely sure I believed it.

As the train pulled into the station, the ground shook slightly beneath my feet. I watched as the conductor stepped out, waving to the passengers. My heart raced as I felt the finality of it all settle in.

"Alright," my dad said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "This is it. Just take a deep breath."

I nodded, trying to calm my racing heart. The train doors opened with a hiss, and the bright interior contrasted sharply with the dim reality of my feelings.

"Remember to be responsible," my mom said, squeezing my hand tightly. "We believe in you."

As I stepped onto the train, I turned back to see my parents standing there, their expressions a mix of sadness and hope. I felt a lump in my throat, and I wanted to say something-anything-to bridge the distance that had grown between us. But the doors slid shut, and the train began to pull away.