Gwen sighs as she looks out the window, listening to music through her earphones while her parents talk about their new home
Gwen's mom excitedly exclaimed
"I can't wait to see our new place. It looks like a really nice neighborhood."
Gwen's dad nods in agreement
"Yeah, it's a great area. We're just a few blocks away from the school too."
Gwen rolls her eyes slightly, still listening to her music
Gwen's mom then notices Gwen's expression "Gwen, I know you're not thrilled about the move, but try to be positive. San Francisco is a great city. I'm sure you'll make new friends and have a lot of fun."
Gwen then removes her earphones and looks towards her parents " I'm not really looking forward to it. I have friends back home, and I like my life there". (Sighs)
Her dad smiles reassuringly to her
"I know it's not easy changing schools and leaving your friends behind, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the things that are important to us. This new job is a great opportunity for me and the pay is really good. (Pause) I know it will take some time to adjust, but I promise you'll like the new place."
Gwen looks back out the window again, not looking convinced her mom tries to reassure her "Just give it a chance, sweetie. You might end up liking it more than you think. (Smiling) Plus, you'll get to explore a new city. There's so much to do in San Francisco."
Gwen groana softly before speaking
"I guess so, but I don't even know anyone there. It's going to be so awkward and lonely."
Her mom reaches over to ruffle her hair
" You'll make new friends, honey. There will be other girls just like you at the school. And you're so friendly and outgoing, people will instantly like you. (Warmly) Just be yourself, and everything will work out."
Gwen smiles weakly, but still not feeling too optimistic " I hope you're right. I just don't want to be a total outsider in a new place, you know?"
Her dad: nods in understanding
"I get it, Gwen. But this is a fresh start for all of us. We'll make new memories in San Francisco, and you'll have the chance to experience new things. (Comfortingly) I know it's not easy leaving your comfort zone, but it's also a part of growing up."
****(Flashback)
Gwen is seen playing hockey with her teammates on the ice rink. She scores a goal, and her teammates cheer her on. She looks over at her friends in the sideline, who all clap and smile at her.
Gwen's best friend, Sarah, high-fives her and grins.
Sarah was enthusiastic as both her and gwen high fived "Awesome shot, Gwen! You're on fire today!"
Gwen grins back and high-fives her back.
" Thanks, Sarah. I'm really feeling it today."
The team gathers around Gwen, patting her on the back and congratulating her on her successful shot.
******
As gwen comes home from hockey practice she saw her mom and dad arguing but she didn't know what they were arguing about
Gwen quietly approached the doorway, trying to eavesdrop on her parents' argument. She could tell by their voices that they were upset, but couldn't make out what they were saying exactly.
She wanted to ask them what was wrong, but something stopped her. Maybe it was the tense atmosphere in the room, or maybe it was her fear of finding out something she didn't want to hear. Either way, Gwen stayed silent, hiding behind the doorway, listening intently.
Gwen hears her mom's voice rising, clearly upset "Why do you always have to be so difficult? Can't we ever have a normal conversation without you getting all defensive?"
She then hears her dad's voice sounding frustrated, as his dad is trying to keep his cool "I'm not being difficult. I just don't think you understand where I'm coming from, all I'm saying is if we go to san Francisco we won't have to struggle anymore we're barely getting anything in this small town admit it diane"
Her mom rubbed both of her temple as she sighs "I know things are tougher here, but this is our home! I have friends here, and so does Gwen. You want us to just uproot our lives and go halfway across the country?"
Gwen's dad lightly shakes his head looking guilty "I understand that, but we can't keep living like this. The job market here is terrible, and money is tight. In San Francisco, there are more opportunities for both of us. We'll have a better chance of getting ahead."
Gwen's mom looking frustrated but resigned "I know that, but what about Gwen? She's just about to start her 10th year in high school. Do you want her to leave her friends behind and start over in a new school?"
Gwen's dad suddenly looks hesitant but still kept firm " I know it's not an ideal situation, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. I have an offer from a company in San Francisco, and this could be a really good thing for our family. We'll have a bigger house, a better quality of life. Think about Gwen's future. She'll have more opportunities there.
Gwen's mom expression looks a mixture of frustration and resignation " I just wish there was another way. But I know you won't change your mind. (Sighs) Fine, we'll move to San Francisco."
Gwen's dad sighs and moves forward to hug her mom " I'm sorry diane.. it's just..sigh.."
Gwen's mom leans into her husband's embrace, her initial resistance slowly melting away.
Gwen's dad softly spoke as he pats his wife's head "I know this isn't easy, but we'll get through it together. And Gwen will adapt, I'm sure of it."
Gwen had been listening to her parents' conversation, her mind swirling with a mix of confusion and surprise. She didn't expect her parents to agree to move, and the thought of leaving her friends and life behind was both exciting and terrifying.
Gwen takes a deep breath, summoning the courage to step forward and speak up.
She steps forward slightly, revealing herself to her parents " Um, Mom and Dad?" She said sounding nervously
Gwen's parents turn towards her, both of them looking guilty and surprised to see her standing there.
Gwen's mom trying to sound cheerful as she talks to Gwen, "we didn't see you there. Everything okay, sweetie?"
Gwen tries ro keep her voice steady as she spoke " Yeah, I just heard you guys talking about something... about moving to San Francisco?"
Gwen's mom and dad exchange glances, both of them knowing that Gwen overheard their conversation. Gwen's dad sighs and motions for her to join them
Gwen hesitantly walks over and sits down next to her parents. They both look at her with a mixture of regret and apology in their eyes.
Gwen's mom gently spoke "Yes, honey, we were just discussing that..we're gonna be moving to San Francisco. Your dad got a job offer from a big company there, and we thought it would be a really good opportunity for our family."
Gwen looks back and forth between her parents, trying to process the information. She had mixed feelings about the move, but her parents seemed so hopeful and excited, it was hard to be completely against the idea.
Still, the thought of leaving her friends and her comfortable life in her small town made her heart sink. She knew it would be a huge adjustment, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.
Gwen felt a lump form in her throat as she fought back tears. She didn't want to make a scene or make her parents feel guilty, but she couldn't help the feeling of sadness and frustration that was building up inside her.
Gwen's mom saw the pained expression on her daughter's face and reached out to hug her. "Oh, sweetie, I know this is hard for you. But please try to understand, we're just trying to do what's best for our family."
Gwen hugs her mom, feeling the warmth and love in her embrace. She closes her eyes, trying to push back the tears, but they begin to fall, silently streaming down her cheeks.
Gwen's dad watched his daughter's reaction, his heart breaking seeing her cry. He reached out and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, speaking gently.
Gwen's dad sympathetically looks at Gwen
"I know it's tough to leave your friends and your life here. But I believe that this move will be good for us. It'll take time, but you'll make new friends in San Francisco, and we'll still have each other."
Gwen looked up at her dad, her eyes still watery. She sniffed and wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself.
***
The room was filled with a sense of bittersweet nostalgia, as Gwen was packing a bag with some of her belongings. Most of her stuff had already been packed and taken to the car, but she took her time with a few small things she wanted to bring. She picked up a framed photo of her with her friends, sadness in her eyes.
Gwen looks down and sees Muffin, her small poodle mix dog, looking up at her with his big brown eyes. He wags his tail, as if sensing her sadness. Gwen crouches down and pets him, a small smile appearing on her face.
She picked up Muffin, cradling him in her arms. She buried her face in his soft fur, trying to find comfort in his presence.
Gwen attempts to sound cheerful as she spoke to her puppy " So, Muffin, are you excited about the move? We're headed to a big new place, with lots of new places for you to run and play."
Muffin looked up at Gwen, his tongue hanging out of his mouth, seeming indifferent to the idea of a move. Gwen smiled at his unbothered attitude, envious of his carefree nature.
Gwen puts muffin at her side getting up from her bed and looking around her room
As she looked around the room, Gwen was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The walls were a pastel pink, and her bed was adorned with soft white bedding. There were pictures of her and her friends pinned to a corkboard, and her favorite books and trinkets were placed on her dresser.
Gwen's mom suddenly appears behind her as her voice tries to sound cheerful as she talks to her "..are you all packed sweetie?"
Gwen turns around and sees her mom standing at the doorway, a sad smile on her face. "Yeah, I think so," Gwen says softly, "Just packing some last small things."
Gwen's mom nods, her eyes roaming around the room, taking in the sight of her daughter's belongings. She walks over to Gwen's desk and picks up a picture frame.
"This is a really nice photo of you and your friends," she says softly, tracing her finger over the photograph.
Gwen stands next to her mom, looking at the picture as well. It was a picture of Gwen and her friends goofing off, making silly faces and posing for the camera. Seeing it made Gwen's heart ache a bit, but she tried to hide it.
Gwen's mom senses her daughter's sadness and puts her arm around her shoulders. "I know it's tough, sweetie. But you'll make new friends in San Francisco, and you'll see that there are a lot of wonderful things waiting for you there."
Gwen nods, trying to be optimistic. She knows her mom is just trying to make her feel better, but it's hard to imagine leaving everything she knows and loves behind.
Gwen was standing outside, surrounded by her friends, who had gathered to say goodbye. They were all laughing and trying to keep up a cheerful facade, but Gwen could tell they were hurting just as much as she was.
Sarah, one of Gwen's best friends, stepped forward and hugged Gwen tightly, her eyes welling up with tears. "I can't believe you're really leaving, Gwen. It's going to be so weird not having you here. You have to promise to come back and visit us often, okay?"
Gwen hugged Sarah back, trying to keep herself together. " I promise I'll come back to visit as soon as I can. And you guys have to promise to message me and facetime to keep in touch, okay?"
The other friends chimed in, offering their promises to stay in touch, and expressing how much they would miss her. Gwen did her best to smile and put on a brave face, but inside her heart was breaking.
Gwen stood in the center of the group hug, her friends holding onto her tightly. They all stood there for a moment, silent and trying to soak in the moment. Finally, Gwen's dad called out to her, signaling that it was time to go.
Gwen broke away from the group, her friends all saying their final goodbyes and wishing her luck. She smiled and waved, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall again.
As Gwen buckled her seatbelt in the backseat, she looked out the car window and saw her friends waving goodbye, their faces sad but trying to be cheerful for her sake. Gwen's heart felt heavy as she watched them grow smaller as the car drove away, knowing she might not see them for a long time.
The memory of the move and saying goodbye to her friends played through Gwen's mind like a sad movie. She sighed and tried to push the thoughts away, refocusing on the present.
"WE'RE HERE! "
Gwen's dad's excited declaration brought her out of her thoughts. She looked out the window and saw the expansive San Francisco skyline looming in the distance. The bridge was packed with traffic, the cars slowly inched their way across.
Gwen's mom glanced back at Gwen, a smile on her face. "Exciting, isn't it, sweetie? This is the start of a whole new chapter for us, and I know it's going to be great."
Gwen nodded, trying to force a smile. She knew her mom was trying to be supportive, but the knot in her stomach tightened as they drew closer to their new home.
Gwen's dad beamed, clearly excited about the change. "Just you wait, Gwen, our new house is beautiful and you'll love the neighborhood."
Gwen simply nodded silently, still feeling a sense of nervousness and dread. She knew her parents were optimistic, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this move was going to be a difficult transition.
As the car entered the city, Gwen's eyes widened at the sights around her. The San Francisco skyline was breathtaking, the tall buildings standing tall and mighty. The streets were bustling with people and cars, a stark contrast to the small town they had come from.
Gwen's parents continued to point out various places to her, eagerly talking about the things they were going to do and all the adventures that awaited them. Gwen tried to listen and act interested, but the more they talked, the more anxious she felt.
As her parents continued to talk, Gwen sat there quietly, her mind racing. She tried to imagine herself fitting in here, making new friends, and adjusting to a new school. The thought felt overwhelming and daunting.
End