“You’re sure you’ve got everything? Insect repellant? Disinfectant spray?”
I nod, squeezing Mum as she and Dad prepare to leave me at the airport. Her perfume and the jangle of the bracelet she always wears are so dear and familiar to me; I’m choked up at the thought of being so far from home.
“Flashlight?” Dad says, ever practical.
“Got it,” I say, and he puts his arms around us both.
“Come on, you daft things. Let’s make this a happy send-off. It’s an adventure.”
I untangle myself from them and wipe my eyes, half laughing and half crying as Dad lifts my backpack onto my shoulders. “I know it is!”
“Go on, then,” he says, kissing me on the cheek. “Be off with you.”
I lean in and kiss Mum too, then step back and take a deep breath. “I’m going now,” I say, my lip wobbling.
They stand together, Dad’s arm around Mum’s shoulders, and they nod. I’m sure it would feel less of a wrench if I wasn’t going alone; I feel about fourteen as I turn around at the gate to give them one final wave before I lose sight of them. Mum blows me a kiss and Dad lifts his hand, and then I turn away and walk determinedly toward the gate. Thailand awaits.