Pointe Shoes, Pen Ink, and Rosin

Welcome to DAAPA

        "Mama! Stop crying! It's really only a few months and I'll be back for break. We did this last year. Please stop crying," begged Savannah.
        "Darling, you're growing up so quickly," replied her mother, through tears. She was the sentimental type, who cried every August, ever since Savannah began preschool, and always remembered to take an overwhelming number of pictures. It was ritual.
        Savannah hugged her mother and slung her bags around her shoulder.
        "Do you need help unpacking or finding your room or schedule? Anything?" Said her mother.
        "I'll be fine. I really have to go though. I love you, Mama. I'll see you in the spring," said Savannah. She gave one last long hug and finally her mother let go. Savannah headed down the concrete path, dragging her suitcase and bulky gym bags to the building where she would soon get her dorm key and schedule.
•••
        "See ya soon, champ," said Dallas's dad bowing his head. "This year's gonna be good." Dallas hugged him as hard as she could.
"Alright. You all set?" Asked her mother.
"Yes! I'm so excited! I'm going to try for the art newsletter and maybe I'll even become the editor," said Dallas with a grin.
"You wouldn't stop talking about it on the way here," chuckled her dad. He handed her her bags and once Dallas affirmed that she knew where she was going, she was off.
"See you in a few months!" called her mom after her.
•••
"Yeh, I'm doin' fine. No, mum... I'm about to get my keys and my schedule. I love you too, mum... Yeh, I brought my rosin. I don't think they sell this kind here, but that's okay. I'll miss you too. Ok! I've got to get my things ready. Love you too! I'll call you every night," Henry hung up his phone and sighed.
        The plane ride to America was really long and Henry was jet-lagged. He was a cello player who lived in Australia until he'd heard of this academy in America for young artists. He begged his parents to let him audition and to no one's surprise, he was accepted. Finally, he was going to get what would hopefully bring him a step closer to his dream career of being a solo cellist.