9 Feb 2023, 10:17
Farewell
(Takes place cannonically before 'A Quiet Moment')
As Atticus and his family walked closer to the train, he felt a need to be closer to them all. He reached for his fathers hand out of instinct, but was still was suprised when he took it and gave a firm squeeze of reassurance. Although his father would not meet his gaze, Atticus knew what this gesture meant coming from him. He opened his mouth to speak, to say, thank you, I love you.
But in a flash the moment was over, and he dropped Atticus's hand to continue pushing the boys trolley down the platform. Although admittedly, the trolley was hardly necessary, as Atticus had only a few belongings, all of which were packed tightly into one small trunk. Anyway, the ceremony of it all was a boost in his confidence.
Eventually, it was time for students to begin boarding. Atticus hugged his siblings and then his stepmother. When he went to hug his father however, the man stuck out his hand to shake. Atticus considered it a moment, but took his fathers hand in his own, and pulled him into an embrace.
"I'm gonna miss you dad."
He felt a hand gently rest on his shoulder, and he stepped back.
"It's hard sending away my best help."
His father leaned down so that he was eye level with Atticus, his hand never leaving the boys shoulder.
"I am so proud of you son."
And then he was off, beckoned by the call of adventure.
As Atticus and his family walked closer to the train, he felt a need to be closer to them all. He reached for his fathers hand out of instinct, but was still was suprised when he took it and gave a firm squeeze of reassurance. Although his father would not meet his gaze, Atticus knew what this gesture meant coming from him. He opened his mouth to speak, to say, thank you, I love you.
But in a flash the moment was over, and he dropped Atticus's hand to continue pushing the boys trolley down the platform. Although admittedly, the trolley was hardly necessary, as Atticus had only a few belongings, all of which were packed tightly into one small trunk. Anyway, the ceremony of it all was a boost in his confidence.
Eventually, it was time for students to begin boarding. Atticus hugged his siblings and then his stepmother. When he went to hug his father however, the man stuck out his hand to shake. Atticus considered it a moment, but took his fathers hand in his own, and pulled him into an embrace.
"I'm gonna miss you dad."
He felt a hand gently rest on his shoulder, and he stepped back.
"It's hard sending away my best help."
His father leaned down so that he was eye level with Atticus, his hand never leaving the boys shoulder.
"I am so proud of you son."
And then he was off, beckoned by the call of adventure.