Willow Creek has always been my world. Small, quiet, and stuck in place. The same people, the same streets, the same faded dreams. It's a place where the idea of going beyond what you know feels impossible.

Most people get stuck here. They settle for what's familiar and comfortable. That's the way it's always been.

I never planned on leaving Willow Creek. I never dreamed of running away from it all. But when my parents decided it was time for me to go to college, in Florida, of all places, it wasn't a choice I could make for myself.

"Summer," my mom said one night over dinner, her voice soft but firm. "Your dad and I have been talking. We think you need to go to college somewhere bigger. Somewhere with more opportunities."

At first, I thought they were joking. I mean, why would they want me to leave? Willow Creek might be small, but it's all I've ever known. I didn't need to go somewhere else to find myself.

But when I saw the look on my dad's face, I knew they weren't kidding. They had made the decision, and it wasn't up for discussion.

"Mom, Dad... I don't—"

"You've got so much potential, Summer," my dad cut me off gently. "You're stuck here. You deserve more than Willow Creek. More than we can offer you."

I tried to argue. I didn't want to leave my friends, my life, or the only place that felt like home. But they were right. I was stuck here.

The truth is, I'd never really had the chance to dream bigger because no one ever told me there was more to dream about.

I was just a girl who grew up in a town where the biggest event was the annual county fair. And now my parents were telling me that I could have something else.

Florida. College. A chance to start over.

"I've already arranged everything," my mom added, like she was talking about something as simple as picking up groceries. "You'll leave in a few weeks."

That was the moment I realized this wasn't my decision anymore. It wasn't about what I wanted. It was about what they thought was best for me. And as much as I hated it, I knew they were doing it out of love.

I had to go.

------------------------

Today is the day I leave Willow Creek behind.

My suitcase is by the door, packed and ready. My room feels too small now, like the walls are closing in on me.

I look around one last time at the posters, the photos, the desk cluttered with notebooks I've never finished filling. All of it feels like it belongs to someone else now.

"Summer, come downstairs!" my mom calls from below. "There's someone here to say goodbye."

I glance at the clock. My flight leaves in a few hours. A knot tightens in my stomach.

I'm excited, I'm terrified, and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to feel. All I know is that I'm about to leave everything behind, my friends, my family, and everything that made Willow Creek home.

For the first time in my life, I don't know what comes next. I've always had a plan. But today, I'm just following orders.

I head downstairs, where my mom and dad are waiting by the door. My mom smiles at me, but there's a trace of sadness in her eyes. I can tell she's already missing me, even though I haven't even left yet.

"We're really going to miss you, sweetie," my mom says, her voice thick with emotion.

"I'll miss you too," I reply, trying to hold back my tears. "But this is what you want. I'm doing this for you. For me, too, I guess."

My dad gives me a small, brief smile. "You're going to do great things, Summer. This is just the beginning."

I nod, even though my throat feels tight. I want to be happy for this new chapter. I really do. But it's hard to shake the feeling that everything I've known is slipping away.

Just then, a voice calls out from the porch. "Summer, hey!"

I turn to see Leah Hall, my best friend, standing there with a wide grin. Leah's been my rock for as long as I can remember. We've been inseparable since we were kids, and now I'm leaving her behind too.

Leah stands out effortlessly. With warm caramel skin, sparkling brown eyes, and wild curls, she's impossible to ignore.

Though she's only 5'3", she has a way of owning the room.

"You came!" I exclaim, rushing to hug her.

"Of course I did!" Leah laughs. "You think I'd let you leave without saying goodbye? You've got to know I'm going to miss you like crazy."

"I know. I'll miss you too," I say, pulling back from the hug. "But hey, we're just a phone call away, right?"

Leah raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Don't make me come to Florida and drag you back home, Collins. I'll do it."

I laugh, even though the idea of being that far away from everything feels daunting. "I won't forget you, I promise."

The car honks from the driveway, and my mom's voice cuts in. "Your ride's here, Summer."

I take one last look around my house before heading out the door. Willow Creek is behind me now, and it feels like a part of me is being left here. But maybe that's what growing up is, leaving the past behind, even if you're not ready to.

Leah gives me a final hug. "Go make something of yourself, Summer. You've got this."

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "I will. I'll make you proud."

I climb into the car, and as we pull away, I glance out the window, watching the familiar streets fade behind me. The town I've spent my whole life in. The place I was never meant to leave.

But now, I have to.

The drive to the airport feels long, but there's something freeing about it. Florida is waiting for me. College is waiting. A new life, a new start.

And for the first time, I can't help but wonder what will happen when I get there. What will life be like outside of Willow Creek? What will I become when I'm finally free to choose my own path?