"Are you sure about this? It's not too late to change your mind." David Hollis's brow furrowed as he placed a large calloused hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"Dad, I'll be fine. I've got enough bear spray to last me 'til graduation. And I'm sure about this," Laura replied as she patted his hand soothingly. She hefted the enormous canvas backpack slung over her shoulder and winked at him. He grumpily sized the backpack up and pulled out another silver can from his back pocket, stuffing it into the pack's mesh pouch. Laura grinned and bounded into his arms for hug. They stayed like that for a few moments, wrapped up in each other's embrace. It was warm and familiar, unlike the cold, gray masonry of Silas University.
A bell tolled in the tall clock tower, its mournful peals echoing across the packed courtyard filled with parents saying goodbye to their children. Laura and her father reluctantly broke apart. Parents started to leave as the students made their way over to the residential halls.
"Okay dad, I really have to go. We're supposed to get our room assignments right now." Seeing her father's crestfallen face, Laura pouted. "Come on, cheer up! I'll be back for Christmas." She tried to keep her voice even, while blinking back her tears. Don't cry. Not now. Be strong for both of us.
"All right. I'll miss you. Hunts won't be the same without my baby Hulk by my side," David huffed gruffly, shoving his hands into the pockets of his worn cargo pants. He held back tears of his own.
"Dad! Don't say that out loud! Seriously."
"I know, I know. But you're leaving me for six months. I get to make fun of you one last time, sweetie."
Laura smiled indulgently. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed her father's scarred jaw. He swept her up into another hug, but let go quickly. She gave him a small smile and started to walk away, dragging her enormous suitcase behind her. He sighed heavily, his mind wandering as he watched her retreating figure. She looked so small, swamped by her luggage. But also fierce and strong, judging by the way she handled that suitcase. Just like her mother. A hollow feeling settled in his chest. After all these years, the wound was still there. Laura filled the gaping hole, but it wasn't the same. And now she was leaving him. We are all we've got. Sarah, I hope I'm doing the right thing, letting her go alone.
He waited. A slight breeze picked up, tickling his cheek and gently ruffling his graying hair. It was comforting. He closed his eyes, letting some of the tension roll off his shoulders. She's grown up well. I'm so proud of her. And I know you are too.
The breeze softly died down. He gave the students one last look, picking out Laura from the crowd. She spun around, as if she could feel his stare, and waved. He waved back. She'll be okay—more than okay.
He turned and walked back to the parking lot, searching for his car. It was a monstrous black truck, covered with scratches and dents but spotlessly clean. Climbing into the cab, he started the engine. The radio crackled to life, playing some pop song all the kids were listening to nowadays. He raised his hand to change the station, but stopped. The song wasn't so bad. He looked over at the empty passenger seat, feeling a twinge of loneliness. Keep it together. Revving the engine, he pulled out from the lot and onto the dirt road bordering the campus. He had a flight to catch, and a vampire hunt to continue. Alone this time.