***
Aiden had spent the better part of a week wondering what things to pack. Vodin had told him to pack light, but Aiden wasn't so sure how light was "light". Aiden could no longer rid himself of the excitement, and he stuffed the last few odds and ends into a duffel bag. He cinched up the bag, now brimming with assorted clothes and personal items, and heaved it onto his bed with a sigh of accomplishment.
"Aiden?" His mother popped her head into the room. "Are you ready? Headmaster Vodin should be here soon. At least, I think soon."
"Yep," said Aiden, still looking around the room one last time. "Ready. Don't sound so worried, Mom. Geez."
His mother smiled weakly and stepped into the room. "I think I have the right to be a little worried," she said, tousling Aiden's dark hair. "This is something new. Something really different. It'll take some time to get used to."
"I know," Aiden said, pulling away. "But you said I could go, right? I mean, you're letting me go, right? Vodin's paying..."
"Yes. You're going," she said, realizing she was unable to squelch his enthusiasm. "I can't say no now. It's awfully nice of Mister Pestler to pay your way. You need to thank him when he comes."
"Sure," Aiden mumbled, looking around the room once more, still wondering if he'd packed everything.
"It's just..." his mother began, looking around the room with glassy eyes until they landed back on Aiden. "You need to write me. Twice a week."
Aiden laughed. "Yeah, okay," he said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"You better," his mother said, smiling. "I can still keep you from coming back next year, ya know."
"Okay okay. I'll write."
Without warning, Aiden found himself in his mother's embrace. He instinctively tried to pull away, but stopped himself. He returned the hug.
"I guess I'll be gone for a long time, huh?" Aiden said, resting his chin on his mother's shoulder. "I didn't think about that."
"I'll be fine," said his mother through sniffles, still holding him tight. "It'll be like that time you spent at summer camp. I'll pick up extra shifts, pay off some bills. Maybe when you come back, we'll be living in a nicer place."
Aiden pulled away, seeing his mother's red eyes. "But this won't be like camp."
"Everything will be fine," she said, stressing each word. "Besides, you almost burnt that camp down, remember? At least this place will be okay with that sort of thing."
Aiden laughed and sniffed, resisting the tears that threatened to overwhelm his vision. "That's the thing, isn't it?" he said, a very serious tone overcoming him.
They looked at each for a short while as if they had both had the same epiphany. Aiden shook his head and blinked for a few moments, then shook it off.
His mother wiped her eyes and looked at him, sighing. "Still doing that..." she said, caressing his face.
"It's just a tic," Aiden said, rolling his eyes. "That's what the doctor said. What am I supposed to do about it?"
"Sorry, honey. I guess I am worried. I wish I could keep you with me always and fix every little thing for you. But... I can't."
After a moment of silence there was a knocking at the front door.
Aiden snapped to attention. "That's Vodin," he said, excitement spreading across his face. "Mom, I have to go. I think you're right; everything'll be fine."
"Of course."
Aiden rushed to the front door and swung it open. Vodin stood there with the same long coat and smile he wore on his last visit.
"Good morning," Vodin said cheerily as Aiden gestured for the man to come inside.
Aiden's mother walked into the living room, wiping her face. "Good morning," she said, putting on a smile.
"I'd love to stay and chat," Vodin began happily enough, skipping past the niceties. "But we really must get going. Aiden, I've got some things I wish to show you before we go to the Guild. I realize it's only been two weeks since we met, but time is of the essence."
"You're sure you can't stay?" Aiden's mother asked. "I can make some tea or coffee."
"Thanks but no. I wish I could," Vodin said, a look of understanding in his eyes. "I really do."
"My bag," Aiden realized and rushed to his room.
He threw on his hooded sweatshirt and pulled the duffel bag onto his back.
"Such impetuosity," Aiden heard Vodin say with a chuckle. "To be young again."
Aiden rushed back into the living room. He could hardly think straight. His mother elbowed him.
"Aiden, show some manners," she half-whispered through clenched teeth.
"Oh sorry. I almost forgot my stuff," Aiden said, realizing he had been rude. "And thank you, Vodin, for paying my way."
Vodin did a slight bow and smiled. "Yours is a special case," he said. "It's not often I meet a student with your circumstances or talent. And from now on, you will address me as Headmaster Vodin."
Aiden nodded.
"But now, we really must go," Vodin added.
Aiden again felt the warm embrace of his mother, and he assured her that everything would be fine.
"I love you," Aiden's mother whispered in his ear. "Remember, don't worry about others. Think before you leap... And write me."
Aiden nodded, her grip so tight that he almost couldn't say much in response. She kissed his cheek and finally let go. The headmaster bid the woman goodbye and stepped outside, followed by Aiden who stumbled on the threshold. Aiden's mother sighed heavily as the door shut behind them.