23October 2025
Dear Diary,
The evening was crisp, the October chill already slipping through the windowpanes. I was settled in my favourite armchair by the fire, the knitting needles dancing in my hands as I worked on a scarf for Margaret. Stitch after stitch grew longer, and every now and then I glanced up at my wife. She sat at the kitchen table, bent over a notebook, doodling something and occasionally rubbing her forehead thoughtfully.
The house was wrapped in its usual quiet comfort. Only the ticking of the old mantel clock broke the silence, and the occasional crackle of the burning logs added a soft soundtrack.
Then the front door burst open with a sharp creak that made both of us start.
Standing in the doorway was our daughter, Poppy. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled, and a strange, excited grin played on her lips.
Mum, Dad, Ive got fantastic news! she announced.
We exchanged a look. I set my notebook down, covering the page with my hand, while Margaret slowly put the needles aside.
Go on, I said cautiously, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my chest.
Poppy stepped forward, beaming.
Im quitting university!
The sudden hush that fell over the room felt as heavy as water filling a glass.
What?! Margaret gasped, the knitting needle slipping from her fingers and clinking on the floor.
Have you lost your mind? I snapped up from my chair.
Poppy only laughed, waving her hand as if we were overreacting.
Ah, the panic already! Its not randomIve found my true calling.
What is it? Margaret clenched the armrests of her chair until her knuckles whitened.
Poppy inhaled deeply, her eyes alight.
I want to become a traveller!
Silence stretched.
What? I managed to say, the word tasting like a burn on my tongue.
Yes! Simple enough. Ill hitchhike around the world, stay in hostels, work wherever I can, meet people, and blog about it all
Margarets face went pale.
Poppy, you do realise thats utter nonsense, dont you? she asked.
Why not? Poppy frowned. Its freedom!
Freedom? I hissed. Its reckless! You have no idea what lies ahead!
Itll be hard at first, she shrugged. But Im not alone. Youll help, wont you?
Help how? Margaret snapped, her voice trembling.
Money, at least to start. Until I can stand on my own two feet.
So you expect us to fund your escape from reality? I said, my face hard as stone.
What else am I supposed to do? Youre my parents! Poppys eyes widened in surprise.
Margaret clutched her chest. Poppy weve invested so much in you so many hopes
Dont I have a right to my own life? she asked.
You do, I said suddenly, my tone steellike. But if youre truly an adult, you must solve your own problems.
She fell silent. You wont help me?
Were not going to save you from the consequences of your own choice, I replied.
Poppy exhaled sharply, her gaze fierce. Fine! Ill manage without you!
She spun and slammed the door, the force rattling the walls. A heavy, oppressive quiet settled over the room.
Margaret sank back into her chair, hands shaking. Lord, what have we done? she whispered.
Nothing, I said, sitting heavily beside her. Just gave her a chance to think.
The next morning Poppy didnt appear for breakfast. We sipped our tea in silence, stealing glances at her closed bedroom door.
It opened a moment later. Poppy shuffled in, pale, dark circles under her eyes, hair in disarray as if she hadnt slept at all.
I changed my mind, she said.
Relief washed over Margaret, tears welling up. Thank goodness, she murmured.
I didnt sleep a wink, Poppy continued, voice a soft whisper. I kept wondering what if I cant cope? What if Im scammed, robbed, abandoned?
I poured a strong black coffee, the steam curling like smoke from a dying fire. I slid the mug toward her, a silent gesture of understanding.
So youll stay at university after all? I asked, my voice unusually gentle.
She wrapped both hands around the cup, as if warming frozen fingers. She took a slow sip, then a deep breath; the tension seemed to lift from her shoulders.
Yes 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 the corners of my mouth. I nodded, a warmth I rarely show flickering in my eyesperhaps pride, perhaps relief.
Thats sensible, I replied, and the words felt like a quiet commendation.
Margaret rose, embraced Poppy, and held her close. The hug was so tender that Poppy leaned into her mother, trembling despite herself. Margaret stroked her hair, each gentle touch saying, Itll be alright, love.
Most important is that youve learned, Margaret whispered, her voice quivering slightly.
Im sorry about yesterday, Poppy murmured.
Its fine, Margaret replied, smiling. Making the right conclusions is what matters.
The room settled into a calm silence, now soothing rather than tense. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, dancing on the coffees surface. I cleared my throat, reached for the sugar bowl, and clinked my spoon against the cupa familiar sound that restored a sense of normality.
Breakfast continued in an unusually peaceful atmosphere. Poppy ate her scrambled eggs slowly, as if relearning the taste of home. I flipped through the newspaper, my eyes repeatedly returning to her. Margaret sipped her tea at her own pace.
So youll go back to university? she asked gently.
Poppy set her fork down, resolve firm in her eyes. Yes. I see now that quitting was foolish. But I want to switch courses. Law isnt my path.
What do you want to study? I put the paper aside.
Journalism, or International Relations. Then maybe work abroadlegally, on a contract.
Silence fell, this time thoughtful, accepting.
Its reasonable, I said. On Monday well see the dean and sort out a transfer.
Margaret laughed unexpectedly. I can picture Mrs. Hardings reactionshe always thought youd become a barrister!
Poppy smirked. Let her try to be a barrister at fiftyfive.
We all chuckleda genuine, heartfelt laugh for the first time in days.
Also, this summer, Poppy added suddenly, if you dont mind, Id like to volunteer in Europe for two weeks, through an exchange programme.
We exchanged glances.
Its, Margaret began.
No hitchhiking, Poppy interjected quickly. Roundtrip tickets, and a phone that stays on.
I exhaled heavily, then nodded. Agreed. But first, focus on your studies and proper preparation.
Poppy reached for her phone and dialed. Hello, Jess? Its me yeah, Ive changed my mind no, Im not dropping out what if we sign up for Spanish lessons together?
Margaret caught my eye and smiled. In the morning light, over the halfdrunk coffee, we saw not just a daughter returning home, but a young woman who had grown. And perhaps that was the most important journey of all.
Lesson learned: Freedom without responsibility is a folly; true independence comes from balancing dreams with realism.
