Riley's Last Day

Today's going to be my last day. It's the day when I'm going back to my former home and leave Vancouver; the place that I didn't expect to leave an impression on me that I'd call home.

The place where I met the boys.

The memories filled my head as I kept packing my things and moving them to our car. Each box I placed, left a bitter taste in my mouth. Each box felt heavier and heavier by the minute. It was getting harder and harder to breath by just thinking that this is actually happening.

Is this actually happening?

It felt like the boy's goodbyes were just moments ago, but in fact, it happened days ago.

It pained me to remember them, and just by rewinding the memories we shared, I couldn't help but feel slightly regretful for leaving.

A few months ago, I would have never admitted it, but it this house really did feel like home.

It did.

"Riley, honey, you done yet?" I heard my Mom's voice. I took one earbud out off my ear and turned to her direction.

"Almost." I replied.

Mom walked towards me and gave me a slow hug. I sniffed her perfume and tried to ease my nerves.

"Honey, it's going to be okay." she said.

"Mom." I slowly pulled away from her. "I know."

Mom let down her head, almost like she was trying to restrain herself from something.

"Knock, knock." This time, it's Dad's. Mom and I turned to him and saw a tired smile on his face. "Someone's here to see you."

I narrowed my eyes and watched him slowly opening the door at his side. When it was already wide enough, I saw Linda and Mike.

My eyes grew big as I couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. "Hey guys." My voice was obviously dry.

"Hey, sweetie." Linda couldn't help but get teary. She walked towards me and gave me a tight embrace.

"Aww, I'm gonna miss you." she said very motherly. It overwhelmed me. Her voice was so touching that it made my heart drop, already feeling an anxiety acting up for the reality that's about to happen.

It was heartbreaking. For a moment, I thought I would've cried too.

"I'm going miss you too, Linda." I said before I gently pulled back from her. "But why are you guys here? Aren't you two busy?"

Linda shook her head, both to stop herself from crying and to answer my question. "We couldn't help it, dear. We wanted to see you so badly for the last time, you see."

"Really?" I said, couldn't help but smile at her motherly look in face.

"Of course, Riley. Why, can't you tell you're already like family to us?"

"That's right, kiddo." Mike went in and patted my head. "You're a great kid, Riley. We're gonna miss you."

With that, I decided to give him a hug. "Thank you so much. For everything."

I could already hear Linda crying when I suddenly heard another knock at the door. When I looked, I felt extremely surprised.

"Hey, Riley." Spencer waved, and standing right beside him was Trent, with both hands inside his pockets.

"Guys." I managed to say. "What are you...doing here?"

"I brought them along to help with the packing." Linda answered. "The rest of my boys went to school so they couldn't come."