goodbye, my dear ( part 9 )

We attended all three days of the event. Had the promised party with wine and pizza that outlasted the night. Ms Woodley helped me decide on a college in a small city furthest away. She even organized a concert for me. The floor of the wide living room, which was converted into the music studio where the teaching happened, was the stage. She was the audience. The concert was over an hour long, ending in rapturous applause from her.

That was the farewell.

There weren't any lessons the last few days. We were singing. Other than the warm up exercises, Ms Woodley didn't insist on anything. She had me set my voice free. And followed where it went. We were adventurers set out to explore the world.

The talking was left for the day before I was to leave. Ms Woodley clearly had something to tell me.

We were in the patio, sitting in the rattan chairs, a glass of iced tea in hand, basking in the pleasant evening sun. It was perfect as the last evening and for the little talk that was due.

"You never asked me why I didn't want you to go to a music school or a conservatory when I was so certain you could get in. I'll just assume that's because you trust me. I didn't tell you because I was waiting for now. Remember the school fest? And the first night of the city event? We were so close to the stage, but you didn't want to go up. You have talent. You can be great. But you're not certain. There's doubt in you. And while the doubt remains, the extremely competitive conservatories might not be the best place for you to go to. And so, the college. I want you to go there. Attend classes. Make friends. Also, see the world. Explore the city. Find wonderful things and wonderful people. Explore yourself. You need to find yourself."

Those were the most motivational words spoken to me. In fact, the only. I heard her to the end, wanted to follow. I didn't know what lay waiting for me. I was terrified of not knowing. Hesitant about leaving. Unsure of how exactly to prepare. But I had to go.

In the morning, Ms Woodley accompanied me to the station. She was too old for anything other than accompanying. She made sure I found my seat right. Then, she waited on the platform while I stood by the door until the train started. In the end, a hug was all of the goodbye.

"Just know, I am here, always," she whispered.

Her embrace was warm and nice and safe.

"Yeah," I whispered back.

She was on the platform and I was at the door until the train left the station and the platform was no more than a memory. Only then noticing the wetness of my eyes. I laughed surprised. Washing my face, I returned to my seat. It was a twenty two hour ride to the new world.