The Language of New Beginnings

A short story.

*A group of teenagers gather on the sidewalk in front of a single-family home with a FOR SALE sign plunged into the freshly cut grass. They converse and hug their friend while crying.
"We are going to miss you," they say.
"Please keep in touch. We should do video calls as much as we can."
Ellie, the teenager in the middle of the group, refrains from crying. She doesn't want to reveal any signs of weakness to them, wanting to remain strong to make their goodbyes less difficult. Ellie takes one last glance at the house, and its sight makes it difficult to hold back her tears. There are so many fond memories, and now they will no longer be a part of her life. Ellie's mother, Jessica, calls her to say their last goodbyes to everyone from their old neighborhood and get into the taxi.****