25

Keeping a stiff upper lip is all part of being a socialite. "It'll go perfectly well," you say, putting aside any doubts or emotions that might lurk beneath the surface. "I'm looking forward to it."

Your parents follow your lead, recovering themselves while the porter hauls your trunk onto the train.

Guards start slamming the carriage doors. It's time to embark.

Your father straightens the collar of your coat.

"Remember that you'll always be our son," he says. "We're proud of you." [Use he/him pronouns]

"I'm sure you'll do splendidly," he says. "You're an excellent daughter." [Use she/her pronouns]

"We're so proud that you're our child," he says. "We'll be thinking of you." [Use they/them pronouns]

"No matter what happens," he says, "you're still an extraordinary child." [Enter your own pronouns]

Next