The morning of Mark's departure dawned bright and crisp, yet the atmosphere in the house was heavy. The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, but it did little to ease the tension. Suitcases lined the hallway, neatly packed with all the essentials Mark would need for college. Mary stood in the doorway of his room, staring at the now-barren walls and empty shelves. The space that had once been a chaotic blend of posters, books, and scattered clothes was now stark and hollow, much like how she felt inside.
Mark was in high spirits, his excitement contagious to everyone but Mary. "Don't look so glum, Mary," he teased, ruffling her hair as he walked past. "I'll call you every week, and maybe you can visit during the holidays."
Mary forced a smile, unwilling to let her sadness show. "You'd better," she replied lightly, though her voice cracked just enough for him to notice.
Downstairs, their parents were busy making final preparations. Mrs. Emily fussed over Mark's documents, while Mr. David loaded the car with Mark's bags. The family dynamic was shifting, and everyone felt it in their own way.
As they were about to leave, Mary lingered behind the group, watching as her parents hugged Mark goodbye. When it was her turn, she threw her arms around him tightly, trying to memorize the feel of his presence. "Don't forget me," she whispered.
"Never," Mark promised, pulling back to look her in the eyes. "Take care of yourself, okay? And don't drive Mom and Dad too crazy."
As the car pulled away, Mary felt a lump rise in her throat. She stood there long after it disappeared from sight, her chest tight with an ache she couldn't fully explain.
Back home, the house felt eerily quiet. The absence of Mark's laughter and music created a void that Mary couldn't ignore. She wandered into his room and sat on the bed,The stillness was suffocating.
Over the next few days, Mary tried to distract herself with schoolwork and hobbies, but nothing felt the same. The loneliness crept in, subtle at first, then all-consuming. She began spending more time alone, retreating into her thoughts. Her bright personality dimmed, and the cracks in her cheerful façade began to show.