One month later

Passport check.

Luggage check.

Mom's constant reminder to check things again check.

I've been glaring at the flight information display system like...if I diverted my eyes elsewhere my whole life would crash.

Fortunately I've reached the airport 4 hours before the arrival time Mom's idea not mine

Unfortunately I have to travel all on my own (nina has a separate flight) I know I depend much on her but this really was nerve-wrecking to an extent, but she can't possibly be at all times right?

Phone messenger notification pops up

Nina : gurl you have your passport          right?

Okay she is available at least virtually right now

And well blame it on me for my forgetting things habit.....so yeah, the extra caution from Mom and Nina might be justified.

I send a quick text reassuring her

The public address system with the announcement of my flight details brought me back to reality.

I turn around and give my mom one last embrace for now, tears threatening to fall

But now's not the time....I can't see her sad because of me

"I'll see you soon ma...please do take care of yourself while I'm gone" I say holding her hand squeezing it gently, her warmth spreading to my palm.

"All the very best tigress and keep me updated" she was trying her best not to cry and I couldn't take it much longer to see her cry because of me.

I give her a goodbye kiss on her cheek while she kisses my forehead.

~

And there I was ready to welcome my new abode