15October2025
The evening was brisk, the October chill already settling outside our cottage in the Cotswolds.
Margaret sat in her favorite armchair before the fire, needles clicking as she knit a scarf for me. Row by row the yarn grew longer. Every now and then she glanced up at me, where I was hunched over a notebook, scribbling notes and rubbing my forehead when the thoughts grew dense.
The house hummed with its usual snug quiet, broken only by the ticking of the grandfather clock and the occasional crackle of the logs.
Then the front door swung wide.
A sharp squeak of the hinges made both of us jump.
On the threshold stood our daughter, Eleanorshed prefer just Ellie. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes glittering, and a strange, eager smile tugged at her lips.
Mum, Dad, Ive got amazing news! she announced.
John and I exchanged a look. Margaret lowered her knitting needles slowly, while I kept my hand over the notebook, not quite daring to look away.
Alright, tell us, I said cautiously, feeling an odd knot of dread in my chest.
Ellie stepped forward, beaming.
Im dropping university!
The room fell into a heavy, almost tangible silence, as if the air had turned to water.
What?! Margaret gasped, and the needle slipped from her fingers, clinking on the floor.
Are you out of your mind? I snapped, rising from my seat.
Ellie only laughed, waving her hand as if we were overreacting.
Now youre panicking! I havent done this for no reason. Ive found my true calling.
What is it? Margaret squeezed the armrests until her knuckles whitened.
Ellie inhaled deeply, her eyes flaring brighter.
Im going to become a traveller!
Silence.
What? I managed, the word burning my tongue.
Yes! Simple as that. Ill thumbhike around the world, live in hostels, work wherever I can, meet people, and blog about it all.
Margarets face went pale.
Ellie, you do realise thats utter nonsense?
Why not? she frowned. Its freedom!
Freedom? I gritted my teeth. Its reckless! You have no idea what lies ahead!
Sure, itll be hard at first, she shrugged. But Im not alone. Youll help, wont you?
Help how? Margaret sprang up, her voice trembling.
Financially, at least for a while, until I get on my feet.
So you expect us to fund your escape from reality? I froze, my expression hardening.
Well, what else am I supposed to do? Youre my parents! she said, eyes wide with surprise.
Margaret clutched her chest.
Ellie weve invested so much in you so many hopes
Dont I have a right to my own life?
You do, I said suddenly, steel in my tone. But if youre truly an adult, you must sort your own problems.
Ellie fell silent.
Youre refusing to help?
Well not save you from the consequences of your own choice.
She exhaled sharply, eyes flashing.
Fine then! Ill manage without you!
She spun and slammed the door, the walls rattling.
A heavy, oppressive quiet settled over the room.
Margaret sank back into the chair, her hands trembling.
God what have we done?
Nothing, I replied, sitting heavily beside her. We just gave her a chance to think.
The next morning Ellie didnt appear for breakfast. We sipped our tea in silence, stealing glances at her bedroom door, listening for any sound.
It opened.
Ellie stepped in, pale, dark circles under her eyes, hair tousled as if she hadnt slept at all.
I I changed my mind.
Margaret nearly wept with relief.
Thank heavens
I didnt sleep a wink, she whispered, sliding into the kitchen chair. I kept thinkingwhat if I cant cope? What if I get cheated, robbed, abandoned
I poured a strong black coffee, the steam curling in the cool morning air like smoke from a dying fire. I handed the cup to her, the gesture full of unspoken understanding.
So youre staying at university after all? I asked, my voice unusually soft.
Ellie wrapped her hands around the mug as if to warm her frozen fingers. She took a slow sip, then exhaled, the weight on her shoulders easing.
Yes I still want to travel someday, but not now. Not until I have some stability, until I can be sure of tomorrow.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of my mouth. I nodded, a warm, almost paternal pride flickering in my eyes.
Thats sensible, I said, and the words felt like a quiet commendation.
Margaret couldnt hold back any longer. She rose, gathered Ellie in a tight embrace, and held her as if trying to squeeze all the love she could into that moment. Her hand stroked Ellies hair, each touch whispering, Itll be alright, my dear. It will.
Youve learned, Margaret murmured, her voice shaking slightly.
Sorry for yesterday Ellie muttered.
Its fine, Margaret replied with a gentle smile. Its wise to draw the right conclusions.
The room fell into a calm that was no longer tense but peaceful. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, dancing on the surface of Ellies coffee. I cleared my throat, reached for the sugar bowl, and deliberately clinked a spoon against the cupa familiar sound that brought back a sense of normalcy.
Breakfast continued in an unusually tranquil atmosphere. Ellie ate her omelette slowly, as if reacquainting herself with the taste of homecooked food. I skimmed the newspaper, my eyes repeatedly drifting to her. Margaret sipped her tea at a leisurely pace.
So youre going back to university? she asked gently.
Ellie set down her fork, determination shining in her gaze.
Yes. Dropping out was foolish. But I want to change my course. Law was your idea, not mine.
I folded the paper. And what do you want to study?
Journalism, or perhaps international relations. Something thatll let me work abroad, legally, on a contract.
Silence settled, this time thoughtful, decisive.
I was the first to speak.
That makes sense. I nodded. Well see the dean on Monday and discuss a transfer.
Margaret let out a surprised laugh.
I can only imagine what MrsHarris will say when she hears! She was so sure youd become a solicitor!
Ellies eyes twinkled.
Let her try to be a solicitor at seventyfive.
We all laughed, a genuine burst of humor on the last day of that stormy episode.
And this summer, Ellie added suddenly, if youre okay with it, Id like to volunteer in Europe for two weeks, on an exchange programme.
We exchanged looks.
Is that? Margaret began.
Nonono, not hitchhiking, Ellie interjected quickly. Ill have a return ticket and a phone on at all times.
I let out a heavy sigh, but the acceptance in my eyes was clear.
Deal. First, finish your studies and get properly prepared.
Ellie nodded, reaching for her phone.
Hello, Katie? Its me Ive changed my mind No, Im not dropping out What if we sign up for Spanish classes together?
Margaret caught my eye and smiled. In the morning light, around the halfempty coffee cups, we saw that our daughter had not only returned she had grown.
Lesson learned: giving someone room to stumble can lead them back stronger, and the best journeys often begin at home.
