Departure

She had her backpack on and was putting on her shoes to leave for school, just like any other day.

I was making sure I hadn't left any of my belongings behind.

"Bye!!" She said, just like she would on any other day.

"Bye! Study well!" I said, just like I say more often than not.

I hugged her.

"Look who's talking?!"

"Uh...Valedictorian?" I replied.

"Fine." And off she went.

And off I went, but this time some 450 miles away.