Carving a boat in the reverse river

“Mom, Mr. Sterling, my application to study abroad has been accepted. I’m leaving.”

In the quiet living room, Willow’s voice was light and soft, like a single drop of water falling into a still pond.

My mother, Eleanor, across the sofa, beamed with joy. “It’s already accepted? When are you leaving?”

“In ten days.”

Eleanor hadn’t expected it to be so soon. Amidst her excitement, a hint of reluctance flickered in her eyes.

“Then I’ll go pack your bags right away. It’s your first time going so far, and to a foreign country at that. I’m just so worried.