"We're gonna miss you, Sweetheart," said the woman of her daughter.
"You be good in college, okay? Call us when you get there. And keep me updated on the games," said her father with a wink.
The girl smiled. "Don't worry; I will," she said as she wrapped both of her parents in a huge hug.
"Good. Do you have everything you need, TJ?" asked Richard.
TJ nodded; she was completely ready. She had been for weeks.
"Bye, Mom and Dad. See you in a few years," she said. Or so she hoped...TJ gasped and shot out of bed with a start. She looked at her damp pillow, and sighed. She lay back down, and continued to cry silently.
An hour later, a soft knock could be heard through the door. "TJ, it's me," said Phineas. "Are you awake in there?"
TJ arose again, this time more softly. She wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "Come in," she answered.
Phineas entered rather cautiously, Ferb at his side. "You okay? You usually don't sleep this late."
"Why? What time is it?"
Phineas gestured to the alarm clock sitting next to the photo on her nightstand. "Eight," he replied.
"Well, I kind of had a really bad dream last night, and I guess I just fell back asleep, not thinking. I needed the rest."
"Oh." He paused and silence took over for a minute. "What happened? I won't tell anyone," he said.
She sighed. "Well, I was heading off to college, but my parents were there. And they were seeing me off before I left. Then I said goodbye, and I woke up. After that I just went back to sleep again." she said, looking down at her feet.
"Oh," Phineas said again. "Sorry."
"It's over now. Thanks for caring,"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know."
"Well, I do, so don't worry. We're always here, TJ. Know that."
She nodded and tried to smile.
After the moment had passed, Ferb spoke. "Breakfast, anyone?"
"Sounds good. What's to eat?" asked TJ, brightening up a little.
"Mother's making omelets," he replied. "Only the best."
"Ooh, the ones with the good mozzarella cheese?" she asked.
"Yep. And bacon," he said.
"Awesome! Okay." she replied.
The three walked downstairs together.
Downstairs, they could all smell Linda's home cooking, with cheese, eggs, and especially bacon. It was making their mouths water as they inhaled the oh-so-delicious aroma of it all.
"Oh. My. Gosh, that smells awesome, Aunt Linda," said the redheaded twenty-year-old. Her stomach grumbled.
"Good morning, TJ. What happened that you're up so late?" the woman said, flipping an omelet.
"It...I...I had a bad dream, that's all," she replied, looking at the floor.
Linda being Linda, she shrugged it off and put the omelets on a plate. "Okay then," she said, setting the plate down at the kitchen table.
"Lawrence! It's ready! she yelled in the general direction of the living room. Lawrence came quickly and sat down. "Morning, you three," he said cheerfully. "Morning," they replied in unison, then laughed. They all sat down, and Linda shelled out the omelets.
And they had a most delicious breakfast together.
