A cool October evening settled over the little cottage on the outskirts of York.
Margaret Turner curled up in her favourite armchair by the log fire, the knitting needles flashing as she coaxed a scarf for her husband, row by row. Every now and then she glanced up at James, who was hunched over a notebook at the kitchen table, scribbling something while occasionally rubbing his forehead in thought.
The house was wrapped in its usual, cosy hush, broken only by the steady tick of the ancient floor clock and the occasional crackle of the burning wood.
Then, without warning, the front door flung open.
A sharp squeak of the hinges made both parents startle.
Standing in the doorway was their daughterPoppy. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glittered, and a strange, excited smile played on her lips.
Mum, Dad, Ive got terrible news!
James and Margaret exchanged a look. Margaret slowly set the needles down, while James, without taking his eyes off his daughter, covered his notes with his hand.
Go on, he said cautiously, feeling a strange knot tighten in his chest.
Poppy stepped forward, her grin widening.
Im dropping university!
The silence in the room swelled, heavy as water that had turned to air.
What?! Margaret gasped, and the needle slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the floor with a tiny chime.
Have you lost your mind? James sprang up from his chair.
But Poppy only laughed, waving a hand as if they were overreacting.
Ah, theres the panic already! Im not being reckless. Ive found my true calling!
What is it, then? Margaret squeezed the armrests of her chair until her knuckles whitened.
Poppy inhaled deeply, her eyes sparking brighter.
Im going to become a traveller!
A hush fell.
What? James said the word as if it burned his tongue.
Yes! Simple as that. Ill hitchhike around the world, live in hostels, work wherever I can, meet people, write a blog
Margarets face went pale.
Poppy, you do realise thats absolute nonsense?
Why not? the daughter frowned. Its freedom!
Freedom? James gritted his teeth. Its folly! You have no idea what awaits you!
Well, of course itll be tough at first, Poppy shrugged. But Im not alone. Youll help, wont you?
What how?! Margaret leapt up, her voice trembling.
Um with money. At least for the start, until I stand on my own two feet.
So you expect us to bankroll your escape from reality? James froze, his face turning to stone.
Well, what else? Youre my parents! Poppys eyes widened in surprised wonder.
Margaret clutched her chest.
Poppy weve invested so much in you so many hopes
Do I not have a right to my own life?
You do, James said suddenly, firm as steel. But if youre truly grown and independent, solve your own problems.
Poppys smile faded.
You you wont help me?
We wont rescue you from the consequences of your own choice.
She exhaled sharply, her eyes flashing.
Fine! Ill manage without you!
She turned and stormed out, slamming the door so hard the walls shivered.
A heavy, oppressive silence settled over the room.
Margaret sank back into the chair, her hands trembling.
Lord what have we done?
Nothing, James said heavily, sitting beside her. Just gave her a chance to think.
The next morning Poppy didnt appear for breakfast. The parents sipped their tea in quiet, stealing glances at her closed bedroom door, listening for any sound.
Then the door creaked open.
Poppy entered, pale, dark circles under her eyes, hair a tangled mess as if she hadnt slept at all.
I changed my mind.
Margarets eyes welled up with relief.
Thank heavens
I didnt sleep a wink, Poppy said, sitting down, her voice a whisper. I kept thinking what if I cant cope? What if I get duped, robbed, abandoned somewhere
James silently reached for the kettle. A thick black stream filled a porcelain mug, a curl of steam rising into the cool morning air like the wisp from a dying fire. He placed the cup before her, the simple gesture brimming with unspoken understanding.
So youve decided to stay on and finish your studies? he asked, his usual firmness softened.
Poppy wrapped her hands around the mug as if to warm frozen fingers. She took a slow sip, then a deep breath, letting the weight lift from her shoulders.
Yes her voice trembled. But I still want to travel someday. Just not now. When I have stability. When I can be sure of tomorrow.
A faint smile tugged at Jamess mouth. He nodded, a warm paternal pride flickering in his eyes.
Thats sensible, he said, and the words sounded like a quiet applause.
Margaret could no longer hold back. She rose, gathered Poppy in a tight embrace, and the tenderness of the hug made Poppys own body tremble betrayingly. Margarets hand stroked her daughters hair, each gentle touch saying, Its all right, love. It will be all right.
The important thing is youve understood, Margaret whispered, her voice quivering.
Sorry about yesterday Poppy murmured.
Its nothing, Margaret smiled, her eyes shining. Its wise to draw the right conclusions.
The room fell into a calm hush, no longer strained but soothing. Sunlight slipped through the curtains, dancing on the surface of Poppys coffee. James cleared his throat and reached for the sugar bowl, the clatter of his spoon against the cup grounding the scene in ordinary domestic comfort.
Breakfast continued in an unusually peaceful atmosphere. Poppy ate her omelette slowly, as if relearning the taste of home. James turned the pages of the newspaper, his gaze repeatedly drifting back to his daughter. Margaret sipped her tea at leisure.
So youll go back to university? Margaret asked cautiously.
Poppy set her fork down, resolve hardening in her eyes.
Yes. Ive realised quitting would be foolish. But she paused, I want to change my course. Law is what you expected, not what I want.
James put the paper aside. And what do you want to study?
Journalism. Or international relations. So I can later work abroad, legally, on a contract.
Silence settled, this time thoughtful, accepting.
James was the first to speak.
Thats sensible. He nodded. On Monday well see the dean and find out how to transfer.
Margaret burst into laughter.
Can you imagine what Mrs. Whitfield will say? She was so sure youd become a barrister!
A mischievous grin flickered on Poppys face.
Let her try to be a barrister at fiftyfive.
Everyone laughed, a genuine sound that felt like the last warm ember of the night.
And in the summer, Poppy continued unexpectedly, if you agree Id like to volunteer in Europe for two weeks, part of an exchange programme.
James and Margaret exchanged glances.
Thats Margaret began.
No hitchhiking, Poppy added quickly. Roundtrip tickets, and a phone that stays on.
James exhaled heavily, but his eyes showed consent.
Deal. But firstyour studies. And proper preparation.
Poppy nodded, reached for her phone, and dialed.
Hello, Katie? Its me Ive changed my mind Im not dropping out What if we sign up for Spanish lessons together?
Margaret caught Jamess look and smiled. In the morning light, over the halfempty mugs, they saw their daughter not merely return but grow. And perhaps that was the greatest journey of all.
