Bonnie stood in front of the mirror, her wide, expressive eyes gazing at her own reflection with a mix of anxiety and wonder.
Her light pink hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, with tiny white flower clips delicately pinned to one side — as if they were trying to hold onto a piece of her sweetness.
She wore a baby pink knit blouse, with lace details on the sleeves and a Peter Pan collar that perfectly matched her gentle personality.
A white skirt flared above her knees, cinched with a thin fabric belt.
On her feet, cream-colored ballet flats — comfortable, yet delicate.
An outfit that blended tenderness, sensitivity… and courage.
Her room, as always, was impeccably tidy.
But something felt different in the air. A floating melancholy. A strange kind of silence.
The walls, covered in floral posters and pastel fairy lights, seemed to be watching her in stillness.
The neatly stretched bedspread. The perfectly aligned pillows.
Everything the same — and yet, everything different.
It was as if the room already sensed her absence before the farewell had even happened.
The scent of lavender, which had always calmed her, now carried a tinge of longing.
Bonnie adjusted her blouse with trembling hands and sighed.
Her heart beat fast — not from fear, but from something new: anticipation.
She knew this trip was more than just a change of address.
It was a rite of passage.
That's when her mother's voice echoed through the slightly open door:
"Bonnie, sweetheart… are you sure you're ready for this?"
The woman appeared in the doorway, dressed in a white satin robe, her face softly lit by the hallway light.
Her eyes said everything.
"Go," but also, "Stay just a little longer."
Bonnie turned to her with a timid, glowing smile.
The light from the bedside lamp reflected in her crystal-clear eyes — eyes that tried to hide the storm inside.
"I think so, Mom…" she replied in almost a whisper. "I think… it's time to move forward."
Her mother stepped closer and placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder, as if trying to hold her there for just one more second, caught in the now.
Her touch was comforting. Familiar. Like a warm blanket on a cold day.
"Remember, sweetheart… you are our light.
Always be kind, but never forget how much you're worth.
No matter what anyone says — no one can take that from you."
Bonnie closed her eyes, letting the words sink in like one last hug before the journey.
"I won't forget, Mom. I promise."
She picked up the pink suitcase beside the bed.
Light in her hands. Heavy with meaning.
Before leaving, she looked at her mother one last time.
Her heart tight, but full of gratitude.
No matter how far she went, that love would always be her anchor.
As she walked down the hallway toward the stairs, she heard her mother's soft voice again:
"No matter where you go, my darling, you'll always be in my heart."
Bonnie smiled.
She felt steadier now.
The unknown still awaited her, but there was beauty in that.
She didn't know exactly who she would become after this journey.
But she was ready to find out.