Final Farewell Solo Finished

Orin's eyesight blurred as he watched all of the people at the station mill about quickly, all trying to go to where they need to go as quickly as possible. He shut his eyes tightly and pushed down his earmuffs further over his ears. His father noticed and put a strong, firm arm around him. Orin began trying to take deep breaths, and eventually could open his eyes again.

His father's touch was always different than anyone else's. Orin would always shy away and squirm if others even got close, but not when his father did. It was as if his father had a special aura of strength and protection. It couldn't be missed. He always said that it was because of his mother's "magical" presence before Orin was born. It was only now that Orin realized his father might have been using that phrase in a literal sense. He smiled softly at the thought; his father squeezed his shoulder.

"Ready, Cheeky?" His father asked quietly. Orin nodded fast. "Good."

Orin waited for him to say something else, but it seemed as if his father couldn't find the words to speak. He felt his father's arm slowly pull away, slightly shaking. Orin didn't really understand why. The eleven year old threw his arms around his father's waist to do his best to help. His father returned the hug and suddenly, Orin could hear him sniffling.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Orin asked in concern. His father took a deep breath.

"Don't worry about me. Go have fun at school." Orin nodded and grabbed his belongings. "Bye, Dad!" he chirped.

"Goodbye, Cheeky."