Chapter 22
The preparations for college began out,
Violet packing her things with care,
her room filled with open boxes.
She sorted through her old treasures,
the smooth sea glass from Tommy,
and her first small fractional violin.
She decided to leave it behind,
hanging on her bedroom wall space,
a beautiful reminder of her roots.
Tommy was accepted to same university,
allowing them to stay together always,
supporting each other in new environment.
They were excited but also nervous,
leaving the safety of their bubble,
stepping into the wider world outside.
But they were not afraid anymore,
their foundation was too strong inside,
built on years of absolute love.
Quincy helped them load the car,
his strong arms lifting heavy boxes,
his face showing a proud sadness.
He would miss his little sister,
the house quiet without her music,
but he was happy for her.
Eleanor hugged her daughter tightly at,
the front gate of their home,
whispering words of final mother advice.
"Remember who you are, Violet Vance,"
she said wiping a soft tear,
"you carry the light with you."
"No matter where you go in,"
"the world is waiting for you,"
"to fill it with beautiful sound."
Violet nodded her head with determination,
kissing her mother's soft warm cheek,
before stepping into the passenger seat.
Tommy waved as he started engine,
the car driving away down road,
heading toward their bright new future.
Eleanor and Quincy watched them go,
standing side by side in driveway,
the morning sun warming their shoulders.
The house felt quiet that evening,
but it was a peaceful quiet,
not the silence of fear before.
Quincy went into his dark studio,
turning on the bright overhead lamps,
beginning a massive new canvas painting.
He wanted to paint the departure,
the car moving toward the horizon,
under a sky full of hope.
He used bright vibrant shades gold,
and deep comforting blues of ocean,
capturing the beauty of moving forward.
Martha joined Eleanor in the kitchen,
drinking warm chamomile tea together quietly,
reflecting on the wonderful long journey.
"They are safe now, Eleanor," Martha,
whispered touching her arm with love,
"you did everything perfectly right today."
"They are beautiful strong independent adults,"
May you like
Eleanor smiled looking out window space,
"and their future is completely bright."
