Leaving Home

Olyndria pulled her long, tangled white hair into a knot at the back of her head and shouldered the one bag containing the whole of her possessions. With a smile and a small tear her mother pulled her in for a quick hug and then pushed her away.
"I'll be fine Mama. I'm only moving a few blocks away. I promise I'll visit at least every week."

"I know honey. You're just so sweet and good and the world eats people like you as an appetizer." She wiped at her eye irritatedly and shrugged, "Your father would be so proud of you."

Olyndria laughed, then abruptly stopped, "Father would find your tears entertaining at the very least. I think this is only the 2nd time in my life I've ever seen you cry. Whereas him... well, he was either crying or yelling or laughing almost constantly. I used to watch him giggle in his sleep... I do miss him."

Olyndria's mother smothered her sharp intake of breath with a fist to her mouth and forced a smile "He's watching over you, Oly. I promise."

Olyndria sighed at her mother's odd remnants of faith and forced a smile herself. "Well, I best be going so I have a fair shot at finding a good job. I only have enough money saved up to last me a month. If I'm not quick I may be coming home sooner than you'd like, and to stay." Both women laughed in a manner that said clearly a part of each of them would not mind such a scenario, but pushed such thoughts aside in order to maintain decorum.

"I love you, Oly! Come see me as often as you like."

Olyndria stepped out the door and tossed over her shoulder, "I will. And I love you too Mama!"