Isabella finally made it back to her apartment.

She dropped her bag by the door, kicked off her shoes, and sat on the edge of her bed with a long sigh.

Her hands rested heavy on her thighs as she stared at the floor. It almost felt unreal that after such a nerve-wracking day, she was finally back in her safe place.

Home.

The only place where she could just be herself.

“You’re back.”

She looked up.

Her roommate and closest friend, Elizabeth Hayes, was walking out of the small kitchen.

With her hazel eyes and long black curls falling over her shoulders, Elizabeth gave her a soft smile.

“Yeah,” Isabella said, nodding tiredly.

Elizabeth crossed the room and sat on the other bed, concern written all over her face. “So… how was it?”

“Scary,” Isabella admitted, rubbing her palms together. “But… somehow, I made it through. I… defeated the day.”

Elizabeth nodded. "At least. No one saw you... weird?"

Isabella shrugged with a faint sigh. “That was expected. But… I actually made two friends. They were nice.”

Elizabeth let out a little breath of relief, and smiled. "That's nice. And they treated you okay?”

Isabella smiled for real this time. “Yeah. They didn't even bother to ask too many questions about why I was in a hoodie. They just… accepted me, and it felt really nice.”

"That's good, Ella. That's really good."

Isabella inhaled and caught a familiar smell drifting from the kitchen. She tilted her head. “Hmm… chicken noodle soup? What’s the occasion?”

Elizabeth smirked. “We’re celebrating. You survived your first day as a university student. Consider this my way of saying ‘I’m proud of you.’”

Isabella’s grin widened. She hopped up and wrapped her arms around Elizabeth. “Thank you, bestie.”

Elizabeth hugged her back before pulling away. “So… what about your welcome ceremony? Your parents…”

Isabella shook her head quickly. “No. I don’t want them worrying about me right now. I promised them I’d be fine.”

Elizabeth frowned gently. “But they’ll be sad, Ella. Especially your dad. You know how much he loves you. Your first day on campus is a big deal. His dream was to hand you a bouquet of your favorite flowers and take pictures with you.”

Isabella blinked at Elizabeth’s words. Deep down, she felt a pang of guilt, but she couldn’t change her mind. Her parents had to be where they were, and she had to be here, building her own life.

“He’ll understand, Liz,” she said softly. “I already explained. Orientation week isn’t that important. They’ll definitely home for my commencement, anyway.”

Elizabeth studied her for a moment, then nodded, realizing Isabella had already made up her mind. “Alright. Just promise me you’ll still call them often.”

Isabella smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “Of course. I’ll bug them with endless calls until they’re sick of me.”

Elizabeth chuckled, shaking her head at how cute she could be. “Good. Now go freshen up so we can eat.”

“Got it,” Isabella said with a small nod before heading toward the bathroom.

**********

The ceremony was a blast for everyone else. Parents and siblings filled the campus lawn, laughing, snapping pictures, and hugging each other tight.

But for Isabella , it felt like watching a movie she wasn’t part of.

She strolled down the path slowly, her eyes catching groups of students posing with their families, their faces glowing with pride.

A knot formed in her chest.

She wanted that too, her parents beside her, taking pictures, laughing with her, looking proud and fulfilled.

She was disappointed in herself for not giving her parents just that.

She blinked realizing tears was already building in her eyes. Pulling out her phone, she tapped her dad’s contact and pressed the call button.

After two rings, his warm voice came through the speaker. “Oh, my snow…”

Isabella’s lips curved into a soft smile as she kept walking. “Dad. How are you?”

"I’m fine, of course. You’re the one I should be asking about. You’re all alone.”

Isabella shook her head, even though he couldn’t see her. “I’m not alone, Dad. I have Liz with me. And…I made some friends too.”

"Oh, really? Your mom will be over the moon when she hears that.”

Isabella chuckled under her breath. “Yeah. How’s she doing?”

“She’s coping. She misses you, though. But we all understand. You’ve been through so much…a change of scenery is the best thing for you.”

Isabella nodded faintly. “Yes, Dad. After this, I’ll call Mom next.”

“Today’s the ceremony, right?”

She caught the sadness tucked inside his voice, but she forced herself to keep steady. “Yeah, it is. But don’t worry, Dad. I’m not alone, I’m having fun with friends.”

It was a lie, but she told it anyway to ease his heart.

"I wish I was there,” he said, his tone heavy.

“I know, Dad. But it’s okay. I’ll be fine. Just focus on work…and on Mom.”

A soft chuckle slipped through the line. “Yeah, yeah. You’re right, Snow. Call your mom, then.”

“Okay. I will.” Isabella smiled a little before hanging up.

She was just about to dial her mom’s number when a pair of legs stopped in front of her.

Isabella slowly looked up and froze.