A crisp October evening settled over the little cottage in the Cotswolds. Eleanor Smith was perched in her favourite armchair by the fire, deftly clicking her knitting needles. The scarf she was making for her husband grew longer with each stitch, the pattern unfolding stitch by stitch. Every now and then she glanced up at George, who was hunched over a notebook at the kitchen table, scribbling something and occasionally rubbing his forehead in thought.
The house was wrapped in its usual cosy hush, broken only by the steady tick of the old mantel clock and the occasional crackle of the logs.
Then, with a sudden slam, the front door burst open.
A sharp squeak of the hinges made both parents jump.
Standing in the doorway was their daughterEmily, though everyone called her Em. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glittered, and a strange, excited grin played on her lips.
Mum, Dad, Ive got brilliant news! she announced.
George and Eleanor exchanged a look. Eleanor set her needles down slowly, and George, still eyeing his notebook, covered the page with his hand.
Alright, love, spill it, he said cautiously, feeling a knot of unease twist in his chest.
Emily stepped forward, beaming.
Im quitting university!
The silence that fell was as heavy as water, as if the air had turned to syrup.
What?! Eleanor gasped, and a needle slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the floor with a soft chime.
Have you lost your mind? George snapped, leaping from his chair.
Emily simply laughed, waving a hand as if they were overreacting.
Calm down, its not a whim. Ive found my true calling!
Whats that then? Eleanor pressed her elbows into the armrests until her knuckles whitened.
Emily inhaled deeply, her eyes brightening.
Im going to become a traveller!
A beat of stunned quiet.
What? George managed, as if the word had scorched his tongue.
Yes! Simple as that. Ill hitchhike around the world, stay in hostels, work wherever I can, meet people, and blog the whole lot
Eleanors face went pale.
Emily, you do realise that sounds absolute nonsense?
Why not? Emily frowned. Its freedom!
Freedom? George grated his teeth. Its reckless! You have no idea whats waiting for you!
Sure, the start will be tough, Emily shrugged, but I wont be alone. Youll help, wont you?
Help how? Eleanor sprang up, her voice trembling.
Money, at least for the first few weeks until Im on my feet, Emily replied.
So you expect us to fund your great escape from reality? Georges expression hardened like stone.
And how else am I to do it? Emilys eyes widened in mock innocence. Youre my parents, after all!
Eleanor clutched her chest.
Emily weve invested so much in you so many hopes
And I dont have a right to my own life?
You do, George said suddenly, steelhard, but if youre truly an adult, youll sort your own problems.
Emily fell silent.
So youre refusing to help?
Were not going to bail you out of the consequences of your own choice.
Emily exhaled sharply, her eyes flashing.
Fine! Ill manage without you!
She spun and stormed out, slamming the door so hard the shutters rattled.
A heavy, oppressive quiet settled over the room.
Eleanor slumped back into her chair, hands shaking.
Goodness what have we done? she whispered.
Nothing, George said heavily, sitting beside her. Just gave her a moment to think.
The next morning Emily didnt appear at breakfast. The parents sipped their tea in mute anticipation, glancing toward her bedroom door, which remained stubbornly silent.
Then it opened.
Emily shuffled in, pale, dark circles under her eyes, hair a tangled mess as if she hadnt slept at all.
I changed my mind, she announced.
Eleanor nearly wept with relief.
Thank heavens
I didnt sleep a wink, Emily murmured, voice barely a whisper. I kept wonderingwhat if I cant cope? What if I get cheated, robbed, abandoned?
George silently poured a strong black coffee, the steam curling up like smoke from a dwindling fire. He slid the cup across to her, a simple gesture brimming with unspoken understanding.
So youve decided to finish your degree after all? he asked, his usually firm tone softened.
Emily wrapped both hands around the mug as if warming chilled fingers. She took a slow sip, then a deep breath, and her shoulders finally relaxed, the invisible weight lifting.
Yes she admitted, voice trembling. But I still want to travel. Just not now. When things are stable. When I can truly trust in tomorrow.
A faint smile tugged at Georges lips. He nodded, and a warm, almost paternal pride flickered in his eyes.
Thats sensible, he said, and the words sounded like high praise.
Eleanor couldnt hold back any longer. She rose, pulled Emily into a tight hug, and the embrace was so tender that Emilys body betrayed her with a shiver. Eleanor ran her fingers through Emilys hair, each gentle stroke whispering, All will be well, love. All will be well.
The main thing is youve learned, Eleanor whispered, her voice quivering.
Sorry about yesterday, Emily muttered.
Its fine, Eleanor smiled, her eyes bright. Its wise to draw the right conclusions.
The room settled into a calm silence, now comforting rather than tense. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, dancing on the surface of Emilys coffee. George cleared his throat and, deliberately, clanged his spoon against the sugar bowla familiar domestic noise that restored a sense of ordinary home life.
Breakfast continued in an unusually tranquil atmosphere. Emily ate her omelette slowly, as if relearning the taste of home cooking. George flipped through the newspaper, his gaze repeatedly drifting back to her. Eleanor sipped her tea at a leisurely pace.
So youll be going back to university? she asked cautiously.
Emily set her fork down, determination blazing in her eyes.
Yes. I realised quitting was foolish. But, she paused, I want to change my course. Law was your idea, not mine.
George put the paper aside. And what do you want to study?
Journalism or International Relations, Emily replied, her eyes alight with a measured fire. So I can work abroadlegally, on a contract.
A brief hush fell, this time thoughtful and decisive.
George was the first to speak. That sounds reasonable. He nodded. On Monday well see the dean and find out how to transfer.
Eleanor burst into a surprised laugh. Can you imagine what Mrs. Clarke will say? She was convinced youd end up a solicitor!
Emilys smile twinkled. She can try being a solicitor herself at seventyfive, she quipped.
Laughter filled the kitchena genuine, warm chuckle that seemed to belong to their last day of turmoil.
And this summer, Emily added, if its okay with you, Id love to volunteer in Europe for two weeks. An exchange programme.
George and Eleanor exchanged a look.
Is that? Eleanor began.
No hitchhiking, Emily quickly interjected. Roundtrip tickets, and a phone thats always on.
George exhaled heavily, but agreement shone in his eyes.
Deal. First, your studies. Then solid preparation.
Emily reached for her phone and dialed.
Hello, Katie? Its me Yeah, Ive changed my mind No, Im not quitting Listen, what if we sign up for Spanish lessons together?
Eleanor caught Georges eye and smiled. In the soft morning light, over untouched coffee, they saw their daughter not just return, but truly grow. And perhaps that was the greatest journey of all.
