Write about a time everything changed in a blink of an eye

I've been waiting for this moment for the last two years. But now since it's here, it feels different than I anticipated. Instead of excitement, I feel fear. Fear of the unknown. How will I survive on my own? Without someone there to tell me what to do, or how to do it. I never realized the freedom that came with growing up could be so daunting. My dependence made me brave. Will my independence make me braver?

I glance at the bare, twin bed in the corner. The rest of the room is just as empty. The small desk with drawers under it are cracked open, with barren shelves. The closet is white, with nothing distinguishing about it. I feel just as bare as the room, like a book full of blank pages, and no story to fill it.

I fear I will make mistakes. Mess up. Without my family to help and guide me, how will I know what is right? Or wrong?

My belongings I brought with me from home fit into a couple suitcases and a clothes hamper. The expensive comforter and sheet set I bought for my new bed looks a lot less appealing than it did when I bought it. I'd hoped it would ease the transition, having a super comfy bed to fall into at night. Now all I want to do is go home and never look at it again.

I have a couple hundred dollars to my name, and a job hunt to fulfill before classes begin in two days. It feels like a huge mountain stands in front of me, and I have to climb it. By myself. Without a map. How will I ever accomplish what I set out to do?

My parents carry a couple boxes into my room.

"We wanted to get you something special for graduation, but wanted to wait to give it to you until you moved to college. That time has come. So, here you go." My mom sets down a computer screen box onto the empty desk.

My dad follows suit with what appears to be an actual computer, and a printer.

I'm shocked. I cover my mouth with my hands, but can't contain my excitement and jump up and down. Throwing my arms around them, I begin to cry. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

My dad pats me on the back. "We wanted you to have access to your own computer and the internet so that you wouldn't have to spend all your time at the busy library."

I cry harder. They are so thoughtful. I feel blessed to have them in my life.

It takes me a couple minutes to collect myself. When I do, my dad has tears in his eyes, and my mom is crying.

"Well, we better get going. We have to get home to do chores before dark, and you need to get all your things put away so that you'll be ready for school."

I nod, unable to speak. My throat constricts, and I know I'm about to start crying again.

My parents move toward the door. I follow them through the apartment. It felt so big when I looked at it before deciding on staying here. Now it feels like the walls are closing in.

As we get to their car, my mom turns around and gives me another hug. "We love you. We're only a phone call away. Call us if you need anything."

"Thank you." My words wobble.

I stand there until they have turned onto the road and driven past the building, obscuring them from view. Then I dash back into my apartment and watch out the window until they disappear down the road.

My chest feels empty. Hollowed out. I wonder how my brother did this two years ago. How did he keep himself at college instead of jumping in the car and following them home. It's a serious struggle I'm battling. How do all the other college students do it? Even though I am only an hour away from my home, it feels like an eternity.

"Let me guess, a freshman? First semester?" A girl with dark brown hair pulled back into a ponytail stands inside my door frame, with arms crossed. She looks amused, like she's seen this same situation a million times.

"Yes." My voice comes out as a croak.

"Well, if you're serious about this whole college thing, you'd best get unpacked. Otherwise, you'll be out the door before you know it. Trust me, the sooner you get your things in your room, and make it belong to you, the more it'll feel like a place you belong. It'll never be home, but it'll help make the transition easier."

I nod my agreement and back away from the window.

"I'm Mary, by the way. You're new roommate." She holds out a hand and I shake it. "Welcome to apartment 403."