The Right Choice

12October

The night was crisp, the kind of October chill that makes the hedges turn bronze. I was settled in my favourite armchair by the fire, needles clicking as I knitted a scarf for Margaret. Stitch after stitch grew longer, and every now and then I glanced up at my wife, Eleanor, who was hunched over a ledger, scribbling notes and rubbing her forehead thoughtfully. The house was wrapped in its usual, cosy hush, broken only by the ticktock of the old grandfather clock and the occasional pop of the logs.

Then the front door flung open with a sudden creak that made both of us start.

On the doorstep stood our daughter, Emily. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes bright, and a peculiar, excited grin tugged at her lips.

Mum, Dad, Ive got brilliant news! she announced.

Eleanor lowered her needles slowly, while I, still eyeing the ledger, covered my notes with my palm.

Alright, go on, I said cautiously, feeling a knot of unease tighten in my chest.

Emily stepped forward, her smile widening.

Im quitting university!

The silence that followed felt as heavy as water filling a glass.

What?! Eleanor gasped, and the knitting needle slipped from her fingers, clattering to the floor with a faint chime.

Have you lost your mind? I snapped, standing up abruptly.

Emily merely laughed, waving her hand as if we were overreacting.

Come now, theres a reason. Ive found my true calling!

And what might that be? Eleanor clenched the armchair arms until her knuckles went white.

Emily drew a deep breath, her eyes sparking even brighter.

Im going to be a traveller!

A pause. Then my voice came out almost as a bite.

What?

Yes! Simple enough. Ill hitchhike across the world, crash in B&Bs, work wherever I can, meet people, and keep a blog

Eleanors face went pale.

Emily, you do realise thats utter nonsense, dont you?

Why? she frowned. Its freedom!

Freedom? I gritted my teeth. Its recklessness! You have no idea what awaits you!

Itll be tough at first, Emily shrugged. But I wont be alone. Youll help, wont you?

What can we do? Eleanors voice trembled as she sprang up.

Money, at least for the start. Until I can stand on my own two feet.

So youre asking us to fund your escape from reality? I said, my face hard as stone.

How else? Emilys eyes widened in surprise. Youre my parents, after all.

Eleanor clutched her heart. Emily weve invested so much in you so many hopes

And I have no right to live my own life?

You do, I said suddenly, steel in my tone. But if youre truly an adult, youll have to sort your own problems.

Emily fell silent.

Youre refusing to help?

Were refusing to bail you out of the consequences of your own choice.

Emily exhaled sharply, her eyes flashing.

Fine then! Ill manage without you!

She spun and slammed the door, rattling the walls.

A heavy, oppressive quiet settled over the room.

Eleanor slumped back into the chair, her hands trembling.

Good Lord what have we done? she whispered.

Nothing, I said, sinking into the opposite seat. Weve simply given her a moment to think.

The next morning Emily didnt appear for breakfast. We sipped tea in silence, stealing glances at her closed bedroom door, listening for any sign of life.

Then the door opened.

Emily entered, looking gaunt, dark circles under her eyes, hair dishevelled as if she hadnt slept a wink.

I changed my mind, she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Relief washed over Eleanor, tears threatening to spill.

Thank heavens

I didnt sleep at all, Emily continued, sitting down. I kept wondering what if I cant manage? What if I get robbed, or abandoned?

I poured a steaming mug of strong black tea, the steam curling like smoke from a dying fire. I slid the cup toward her, the gesture heavy with unspoken understanding.

So youll finish your degree after all? I asked, and for once my voice softened.

Emily cradled the cup, as if warming cold fingers. She took a slow sip, then a deep breath, shoulders relaxing as if a weight had been lifted.

Yes but I still want to travel someday. Not now, though when I have stability, when I can be sure about tomorrow.

A faint smile tugged at my lips. I nodded, a warmth flickering in my usually stern eyes perhaps pride, perhaps relief.

Thats sensible, I replied, and those words felt like a quiet commendation.

Eleanor could no longer contain herself. She rose, wrapped her arms around Emily, and held her close. In that hug there was so much tenderness that Emily leaned into it, despite the tremor in her own body. Eleanors hand brushed through her hair, each gentle stroke saying, Itll be alright, love. It will be alright.

The important thing is youve understood, Eleanor murmured, her voice quivering.

Sorry for yesterday Emily muttered.

Its nothing, Eleanor smiled, eyes sparkling. Its wise to draw the right conclusions.

The room fell quiet again, but now it was a calm, comforting quiet. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, dancing on the surface of Emilys tea. I cleared my throat and reached for the sugar bowl, tapping a spoon against the table a familiar household sound that restored a sense of normality.

Breakfast continued in an unusually tranquil atmosphere. Emily ate her omelette slowly, as if relearning the taste of home cooking. I flipped through the newspaper, my eyes repeatedly drifting back to her. Eleanor sipped her tea at a measured pace.

So youll go back to university? she asked gently.

Emily set down her fork. Determination shone in her eyes.

Yes. I realise dropping out was foolish. But I want to change my course. Law was your idea, not mine.

I put the paper aside. And what do you want to study?

Journalism. Or International Relations. So I can work abroad later. Legally. On a contract.

Silence settled, this time thoughtful, accepting.

I was the first to speak. That sounds reasonable. I nodded. On Monday well see the dean and discuss a transfer.

Eleanor laughed, a bright sound. I can picture Mrs. Thompsons face when she hears it! She was convinced youd become a barrister!

Emilys smile was mischievous. Let her try being a barrister at fiftyfive.

We all chuckled genuine laughter at the end of a long day.

And this summer, Emily added, if youre okay with it, Id like to volunteer in Europe for two weeks, part of an exchange programme.

We exchanged glances.

That, Eleanor began.

No hitchhiking, Emily interjected quickly. Roundtrip tickets, and a phone that stays on.

I exhaled heavily, but the agreement in my eyes was clear.

Deal. But first, your studies. And proper preparation.

Emily nodded, reached for her phone, and dialled.

Hello, Jess? Its me Ive changed my mind Im not quitting What if we sign up for Spanish lessons together?

Eleanor caught my eye and smiled. In that morning light, over coffee that was still warm, we saw our daughter not merely return but truly grow. And that, I realised, was the most important journey of all.

Lesson learned: giving a young adult the freedom to pursue her own path, while keeping a safety net in place, teaches responsibility without crushing ambition.