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The discussion went on for most of the night. From my room which was located three doors from my parents' main room, I could hear voices rising, but could not catch their words. This is not the first time they have fought in recent times, but somehow it feels different. That commotion and all the unrest that raged in my head kept me awake all night.

I hope that the bad thoughts are only in my shadow, that the fear that makes my stomach twisted is nothing more than the result of my excessive imagination, I went downstairs after sunrise and saw some suitcases at the front door. Now I just understand. This time, someone will leave, maybe forever if you look at the pile of suitcases on the door.

I tried to ease the panic, reminding myself that my father, William Clay, was always traveling. As a recognized international architect, he always goes somewhere to do work, a new kind of adventure. But again, this time it felt different. My father had only been home a few days after returning from his last trip, he rarely came for a while and left again.

"Kate!" my mother's voice sounded surprised and a little nervous. "What made you wake up so early?"

I'm not surprised to see my mother caught red-handed. Most teenagers, including me and my younger brother, hate waking up on weekends. Usually, on Saturdays I just come out of the room during the day before noon.

I looked at my mother and could see the anxiety in her eyes. I knew clearly that my mother was leaving before anyone woke up and confronted her with unpleasant questions.

"Mom's going, right?" ask me in a flat tone, trying not to cry. I am only seventeen years old, and if my guess of what is going on is true, then I must be strong for the sake of my sisters.

Tears welled up in his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but not a word came out, and he finally nodded.

"Why, Mom?" I said start, followed by another line of questions. "Where are you going? What about us? Me, Justin, Sam, George, and Jacob? Are you going to leave us too?"

"Oh, Sweetheart, I would never do that." my mother sighed as she reached out. "You're my children. As soon as I'm stable, I'll come back to pick you up. I promise."

Although his statement was strong, I could see the anxiety behind his words. Wherever he went, he was terrified and I believe his decision was filled with uncertainty. How not? My mother and father have been married for almost twenty years. They had us, five brothers, and all the life that was built right here in Winton, the city that my father designed and built with my uncles. And now my mom's going to go alone, restart her life. So, how could he not feel afraid?

"Mom, do you really want this?" I asked, trying to understand the drastic decision he took. I know a lot of kids whose parents got divorced, but it wasn't their mom who packed up and left. If someone had to leave, then it must be the father who stayed away. And my mother's decision seemed a thousand times worse.

"Of course this is not what I want" my mother replied firmly. "But I can't keep living like this." His scarf said as if he wanted to talk more, but then brushed it off. "It's a problem between your father and me, and all I know is that I have to make a change. I need a new beginning."

In a way, I was relieved that my mother didn't say much. I don't want to be burdened with knowing what took my mother away. I loved and respected both my parents and didn't know how to accept a hot sentence that could destroy my love for one of them.

"But where are you going, Mom?" ask again.

Of course it won't be far. My mother will not let me face the impact of this decision alone. My father was the worst man for emotional affairs. He can handle everything, provide, love, even accompany us occasionally to watch a ball game or do other trivial things, but only my mother can we rely on when dealing with everyday problems or when our feelings are hurt.

However, why didn't he think that I could handle all of those things? Everyone in the family knows I carry out my responsibilities as the firstborn in earnest. I knew that my parents were counting on me as backup. Emmy, who's only twelve years old but is all grown up, and my two younger brothers will be fine.

With my mother gone, at first Emmy might pull away, but she's mature enough and independent, she'll find her own way to solve this problem. George and Jacob were teenagers, they cared nothing more than sports and girls. They are more often ashamed of their overzealous and affectionate mother.

All that remains is Sam. He's still too small. Well, she had her seventh birthday last week, but she was too young to be left behind by her mother. I don't know how to replace her role for a while.

"I'm not going too far." My mother tried to convince me. "As soon as I get jobs and shelter for all of us, I'll come back to pick you up. It won't be too long." He was silent for a moment and added. "I won't leave you for too long."

I wanted to scream and say that whatever time it takes will still be long, whatever distance it will be far away. Why doesn't my mom understand that? But, he looks very sad. Lost and alone. His cheeks were wet with tears. So, I couldn't help but yell at him and make him feel worse. I have to find a way to deal with this so that my sisters can understand.

Then, another thing came to my surprise, a more frightening thought. "What if Dad goes to work? Who's gonna take care of us?"

For a moment my mother's expression turned doubtful, probably because she heard a very clear tinge of fear from my voice. "Gram will move here. Your father's been talking to him, he'll be here later."

When they realized that this was really happening, they even arranged for Gram to move here, then it is certain that this separation is permanent and not a kind of temporary separation that will be completed once my parents' common sense returns. I'm shaking. "No" I whispered. "It's so bad, Mom."

"That's not the point" I'm afraid. "Gram is not you, Mom! You can't do this to us."

He pulled me into his arms, but I immediately let go. I don't want to be pacified while he's going out the door and ruining our lives.

"I'm not doing this to you." she said, her expression begging for understanding. "I'm doing this for myself. Please, understand. At least this is the best path for all of us." He touched my hot cheek with tears. "You're gonna love Sydney, Kate. Especially you. We're going to the movies, the showhouse, and the art gallery."

My eyes are surprised. "Mom's moving to Sydney?" For a moment I forgot my own dream to work there one day, making my name famous in the financial world. All I can think of right now is Sydney, hours away from our home in Winton, Queensland. Part of me wished my mother lived no further than a neighboring town, like Rockhampton or Townsville. Wasn't that far enough to escape his troubles with my father without neglecting his children?

"What should we do if we need you?" my insistence.

"Of course you can call me." said my mother.

"And wait for you a few hours before you get here? Mom, this is crazy!"

"Sweetheart, it won't be too long, a maximum of a few weeks, then you'll stay with me. I'll find a good place for us, the best school for you. Your father and I have agreed on that."

I want to believe that everything is going to be okay. However, at the same time I wanted to hold him back, here to answer all the questions until he forgot his crazy plan. Suddenly a taxi stopped outside. Horrified, I looked at her before returning to see my mother. "Mom will leave right now, even without saying goodbye?" God, why is he so cruel?

Tears were running down my mother's cheeks. "Trust me, this is the best and easiest decision for us. I've left letters for everyone under their bedroom door and I'll call tonight. We'll be reunited soon."

While I remained standing there, frozen in shock, my mother took the first two tops and carried them over the front stairway to the waiting cab. The taxi driver showed up to help her lift the other bag.

Then he stopped at the doorway and touched my chin. "I love you, baby. And, I know you're very tough. You'll be here with your sisters. Only this will make this farewell good."

"It's not good!" I answered with anger, my voice began to rise. Until this second, I had always managed to control my emotions, but the moment I realized he was really going to leave made me want to scream. I'm not an adult, and it's not my responsibility. He and my father are responsible for us, their children.

"I hate you!" my screams when my mother walked out. I screamed once more to make sure she heard the anger in my voice, but she did not turn her head in the least.

I would definitely keep shouting until the taxi disappeared from my sight, but the corner of my eye caught a movement. I glanced and saw Sam, my eyes glaring in confusion and surprise.

"Mommy," whispered Sam, his chin swaying as he stared at the taxi that disappeared from behind the open door. Her blond hair is tangled. "Where's Mommy going?"

I tried to gather the power within myself that people said I had, then tried to quell all the anger and force a smile for my little brother. "Mommy's just a walk."

Sam's tears are still. "When did Mommy come home?"

I swung my hand to embrace my sister. "Once." I replied stifledly, then added with confidence that I did not feel. "Mom promise won't be long."

Of course, it was a lie.

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It's on my profile, guys! It's called Old Love that's Back. Please read it if you have time.