The Officer and the Orphan

"Emily," Aunty Breanna called from the living room downstairs. "Your ride is here." It was the first day at the university, a moment filled with both excitement and a touch of nostalgia, as her cousin Mark prepared to take her on this new chapter of her life. Emily paused, casting a lingering gaze around her room, where countless memories were etched into the walls. As she clutched her sizable suitcase, she couldn't help but acknowledge that it might be a while before she would return to this intimately familiar space. Having faced the profound loss of her parents in a tragic boating accident at the tender age of eleven, Emily found solace and familial support in the caring embrace of her mother's brother, Uncle Kevin, and his compassionate wife, Aunty Breanna. They became the pillars of strength guiding her through the storm of grief, ultimately paving the way for this new chapter in her life. "I'll be down in a minute," she called back. Mark, eldest son of Aunty Breanna, embraced the role of Emily's guide on her inaugural day at the university. Having completed his education, he immersed himself in the field of construction, nurturing aspirations to establish his own construction company. He had volunteered to take Emily to school as Uncle Kevin was away on business. Uncle Kevin who was a sales representative with a multinational pharmaceutical firm, found himself frequently out of town due to the demands of his job. He was seriously considering retiring as he frequently complained that he was getting too old for the numerous road trips that came with the job. "What will you do if you leave FrioxinPharm?" Emily once asked Uncle Kevin. "I could always think of something to do," he replied. "I could get a job at the local hospital with my experience and training. Its lower pay but I get to spend more time at home with you guys." Uncle Kevin and Aunty Breanna were parents to four children, all older than Emily. Aside from Mark the eldest, the trio, Brandon, Lucy, and Bob, had already advanced to various levels in the university. Emily was aware of the financial responsibilities looming over the family and understood the significance of Uncle Kevin's job at FrioxinPharm. His employment was instrumental in providing the necessary financial support to cover the tuition expenses for the children, including her. Emily's parents left behind little besides the family house, a resource Uncle Kevin strategically utilized by renting it out until Emily reached an age to assume ownership. The rental income, instead of serving immediate needs, was meticulously channeled into a trust that Uncle Kevin established, earmarked solely for Emily's future. "I'll ensure I give you the very best I can afford," Emily remembered him making that promise the day her parents were laid to rest. "You don't have to worry about anything as long as I'm alive." His best wasn't much, but Emily was grateful for it. Uncle Kevin's best efforts carried her through high school and paved the way for her entrance into one of the finest universities in the state. Aunty Breanna, though earning a modest income as a social worker, played a crucial role in the family dynamics. Her paycheck, though not substantial, served as a valuable supplement to Uncle Kevin's efforts, aiding in meeting the various needs of the household. The staircase echoed with the rhythmic thuds of Emily's suitcase, announcing her descent into the living room. Mark, a robust figure with a cascade of blonde hair, stood like a guardian at the front door. His towering stature exuded a reassuring sense of strength, a silent promise that he was there to navigate this new chapter alongside his cousin. Aunty Breanna deftly packed a small go-bag for Emily. The room buzzed with a blend of anticipation and familial care, as the family orchestrated the final preparations for Emily's journey to the university. "Ready to head out kiddo?" Mark asked. "As ready as I could possibly be," Emily replied. "Alright you take this," Aunty Breanna handed her the go-bag. "I've packed some things in it you'll find helpful. Trust me, having sent four kids to the university, I think I have a good idea of the things you'll need to settle in." "I know Aunty Bre," Emily hugged her and kissed her. "Thank you so much. I'm gonna miss you." Aunty Breanna, emotions brimming, tightly embraced Emily, a mixture of pride and longing evident in her tearful expression. In that poignant moment, she couldn't help but wish that Emily's parents were alive to witness their daughter embarking on this significant journey to the university. "I'll miss you too," she whispered as she kissed Emily's cheeks. "Alright let's shove off," Mark grabbed Emily's suitcase and headed towards the door. Mark's imposing 2008 double-cab Ford Super Duty F-250 commanded attention as it held its ground in the driveway, positioned strategically behind Aunty Breanna's minivan. Mark, ever the enthusiast, had taken his time to elucidate to Emily the reasoning behind his choice when acquiring the truck. With a sense of pride, he had explained that the F-250 was the quintessential vehicle for construction work, equipped with the robust features needed for the demands of the job. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of projecting a professional image, expressing that looking the part was a vital component of his role in the construction industry and the truck made him fit in just right. Mark placed the suitcase in the spacious rear cabin and with fluid motion, he ascended behind the steering wheel, the familiar grip of the vehicle resonating with his comfort and expertise. Emily settling into the seat beside Mark as they prepared to embark on the road that would lead them to the university. The truck's engine hummed to life and Mark putting the large truck into the reverse gear, backed out of the driveway and into the road. Aunty Breanna stood resolute, a solitary figure in the driveway, waving goodbye long after the truck had become a mere speck in the distance. As she finally lowered her hand, tears welled in her eyes, silently reflecting the depth of emotions within. In that quiet, tearful gaze, she found herself once again yearning for the presence of Emily's parents, imagining a parallel reality where they could witness the day unfolding—the day their little girl embarked on the journey to the university. "Well I guess you guys are up there looking down on us," she whispered.