MOVING (EDITED)

"I am so tired," I groaned, dropping the last box onto the floor with a dramatic flop.

"Rain!" Pa Type snapped immediately. "Put it down slowly! Do you want everything to break before you even move in?"

He looked personally offended, like the box had slapped him.

Dad leaned against the bedroom doorframe, watching us with amusement after hearing Pa’s shout.

"Let him breathe, honey," Dad Tharn said softly. "The poor child has carried most of the boxes. Let him rest a little."

Pa turned to Dad with a look of utter betrayal.

"Rest? REST? My baby is exhausted from a few tiny boxes! How will he survive alone? Who will wake him up on time? Who will iron his clothes? Cook for him? Clean for him? Make sure he eats? Who will take care of my boy when I’m not there? He’s our only child, Tharn! I don’t want him suffering out here in the cruel world!"

His voice cracked so dramatically, I almost checked if he was auditioning for a soap opera.

Dad pulled Pa into a hug before he could spiral any further."I understand, honey. He’s my son too. I get it."

Pa buried his face in Dad’s chest like he was mourning my departure from the planet.

Meanwhile, I stood there awkwardly, holding a half-open box like an accessory to the drama.

Honestly, I knew this meltdown was coming. Pa had been glaring at me all morning, like he could sense my independence poisoning the air.

The guilt hit me hard.

I mean… I am leaving them.But I’m 18 now. I want to be independent, to live my own life not under Pa’s protective bubble forever.

Pa wanted me to study at the university near home, but I couldn’t. I needed space. Freedom. A life outside the house I grew up in.

But Pa still sees me as a kid who can’t butter toast without supervision.

When I told them I’d gotten accepted into a university in another province, Dad understood immediately. He knew I needed this.

Pa?He cried.Not sniffles cried.

“You’re leaving me,” he kept saying, like I was abandoning him on the side of the road.

Even if I studied at home, I’d still move out eventually. Pa had to face that.

He only calmed down after hearing Sky would be in the same university with me. Apparently, Sky’s existence is comforting enough for Pa to allow me to leave the nest.

And so… moving day happened.

Pa eventually stopped crying, hugged me tight, and made me promise to call them every day, update them on everything, and visit whenever possible.

Of course, I agreed. What else could I do?

We said our goodbyes.And just like that, they left.

The silence that followed hit me in the chest.I was happy finally free.But also sad.I’m going to miss them… even Pa’s dramatic meltdowns.

I started unpacking. The house was gorgeous Pa chose it. Obviously. It was way too big for a student, but that’s how my parents are. They spoil me rotten, and honestly… I’m not complaining.

Two bedrooms, a huge living room, a kitchen that looked like it belonged in a cooking show. Classy, elegant my style.

After I finished unpacking, I warmed up the food Pa made. I was starving.

While eating, I texted Sky. We start uni tomorrow we’re both majoring in Architecture. He’s been my friend since childhood. Our families are practically one big unit.

RAIN: Hey Sky, how are you? I’m so tired.

SKY: You’re the one who insisted on moving away. Why are you complaining?

I rolled my eyes.

RAIN: Wow. I expected comfort, not bullying 🥺 I missed you.

SKY: Comfort you for what?

RAIN: Because you’re my friend and you love me.

SKY: I tolerate you.

That man.

RAIN: Anyway, Mr. Wang…Can you pick me up tomorrow? Dad hasn’t brought my car yet.

(Dad bought me a new car, but it hasn’t arrived. So, public transport or Sky it is.)

SKY: Fine. But you better be awake. If I find you sleeping, I’m leaving you.

RAIN: I swear I’ll be awake and ready.

SKY: You better be. Goodnight.

There was something warm in the way he said “goodnight.” I shook my head, smiling like an idiot.

After eating, I washed the dishes.Pa had acted like I’d die from doing basic chores.I mean… I hate doing them, but I can.

It was late, so I showered, crawled into bed, and stared at the ceiling.

Tomorrow is my first day of university.My first day living on my own.My first day… starting the life I’ve dreamed of.

Somewhere between nervous and excited, I fell asleep.