A warm autumn breeze leftover from the end of summer blew carrying fallen leaves. A carriage with a trunk loaded on the back sat outside the Vis Count Winter's Manor. Waiting for Alex to send him off to the Academy. I sat on the edge of the fountain as I watched Alex give his goodbyes to other friends of his family.
He was dressed in the academy's uniform. It was light gray with a white button down shirt and and a red tie with gold stripes. The colors of the Starzen Empire. He looked grown and more mature for an eight year old, now that he was wearing his uniform. Maybe, it was his expression that made him looked older. Trying to be happy when in reality he was sad to leave. Unfortunately life can't stay the same forever, and it was time for Alex to grow up.
Alex's father lectured him on his expectations. "You're my son. The next heir to the Vis Count Winter's name. Remember our family has played a major role in managing the Starzen Empire's finances. Just as my father before me once held the title of treasurer as I do now, one day you'll be expected to hold that same position. You must work hard, keep up on your studies, and make good connections with the other students. If you do as I advise it will make you successful."
Alex tried to hide the weight of his father pressure on him when he Reponded "Yes, Father. I will follow your advice."
After saying his final good bye to his father Alex saw me sitting on the edge of the fountain. The water behind me glistened in the sunlight creating a sparkle around me. I wasn't joyous. I was trying to hold back my tears. As Alex approached me I stood up from the seat I had taken on the fountain. We were standing face to face. The same hight as each other. This would be the last time I would remember Alex being the same hight as me.
Alex reached for his pocket and pulled out a toy soldier. He handed the toy over to me and said "This is my favorite toy. My dad told me I'm not allowed to bring toys with me, so I want you to keep it safe."
I stretched my arm forward and grabbed the little toy soldier out of Alex's hand. My eyes focused on the toy. It was still in good condition barely worn out. A toy that still needed to be played with was now left in my care. I looked up to Alex and said "I'll keep this safe for you."
"Good, I'm counting on you…" Alex said before I cut him off.
With my other hand I reach for the ribbon in my hair and I pulled it out. Loose curls fell to the side of my face that were once held by the ribbon. I handed over the pale blue ribbon and placed it into Alex's hand.
I looked into his deep blue eyes and said "This is my favorite ribbon. I want you to hold onto it and to never forget about me."
"I would never forget about you Anna. I'll hold onto your ribbon and keep it safe. I'll promise to give it back to you one day." Alex said.
"You really do promise?" I said
"I promise whole heartedly." Returned Alex.
Tears began billow up in my eyes. I tried to hold them back the best I could, but my tears began to over flow and trickle down my face. I reached forward and wrapped my arms around Alex. He returned the embrace.
"I'm going to miss you." I said crying.
"I will miss you too, but I'll be back to visit during winter break." Said Alex.
I continued to cry while I was still in Alex's embrace. I felt a warm touch on my shoulder it was my mother's hand. She pulled me away from Alex and held me in her loving embrace. Once I had calm down, my mother and father said their goodbyes to Alex. He remained calm but I knew he wanted to burst into tear just the same as I had done. His parents approached and Vis Countess Winter said "Are you ready to go, Alex?"
Alex nodded and walked with his parents over to the carriage. I watch as Vis Countess Winter gave one last hug to her son. She spent the past 8 years by Alex's side raising him. Now her little boy is growing up and going off to school. He was her only child. Now that he would be gone the manor would feel empty and quiet. She would miss her son a great deal but she had to let go. Alex climbed into the carriage and took his seat. His father gave him some last words of encouragement before the carriage took off. Vis Countess Winter tried her best to hold back her tears. As I watch the carriage drive away, Vis Countess Winter's tears began to flow. She leaned into her husband and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. The pair walked back towards the manor.
My mother looked over to me and said "It's time for us to go back home."
Together we walked back to our carriage and made our way back home. I would never forget how the breeze felt that day, and the warmth of Alex's embrace on the day left. A day forever left permanent in my memory.