With a final glance, I take a look at the place we have called home for the past two years. I wouldn't say that I will miss it, but I have a sense of pride knowing that I was able to keep a roof over our heads, even if it meant nearly killing myself in the process.

As I shut the obnoxiously loud, squeaking door for the final time, a broad smile starts to spread across my face. Bending down, I pick up the last box holding mine and Dom's possessions and walk towards my new adventure.

The June air is crisp for the beginning of the summer season, but refreshing as I rearrange the boxes in the back of the Jeep I purchased from the used car dealership down the street.

When the salesman placed the keys in my hand, the happiness I felt was indescribable. Walking everywhere the past two years, although good for my otherwise lack of exercising lifestyle, was a pain in my ass. It limited me a lot since I hate taking the subway, especially at night. Freedom was at the tip of my fingertips, and I could finally venture out of the small section of the city we have called home.

April and May flew by in a flash gone, and I can't believe moving day is finally here. I spent most of my time looking at different locations for us to call home. It wasn't so much finding a place, but the school districts and job opportunities available in each town.

Dom took the news of our move surprisingly well and even seemed excited about the changes coming our way. His only request was that he finish out his academic year at his current school because he wanted to spend his birthday with his friends.

I agreed since our lease was up in July, and it allowed me time to plan something that I have yet to be able to do for my brother— Throw him a birthday party.

He was beyond excited and even asked if he could invite the Newman's. The sweet boy wanted to meet the people who forever changed our lives with their kindness and thank them.

The two of them graciously accepted and excitedly arrived with more gifts in hand than should be allowed. I was grateful they came because I was way out of my element trying to control 15 boys playing laser tag.

Mr. Newman even jumped in on the fun, and Dom took an instant liking to him. Dom followed him around the obstacle course and listened to his detailed instructions on how to attack the other team. Between the youthful glow of Mr. Newman's smile to the look of admiration Dom had in his eyes, I thought my heart was going to explode.

With the last box in place, my hands reach up and pull down on the trunk door. It closes with a loud thud, and I turn around and see Dom talking to the three adults who are here to see us off.

Mrs. Markus has tears brimming her ocean blue eyes as she pulls Dom into a hug. "You be good, and call me all the time, okay?"

"I will," Dom says as his small arms wrap around her frail body in a tight embrace. "I'll miss you."

Placing a kiss on his cheek, she pinches his chubby cheeks. "I'll miss you too, Sweet Boy."

My heartstrings pull in every direction, and I walk over to the two of them with my arms open."We will be back to visit. Plus, we have to come and pick up the few things we are leaving behind."

Mrs. Newman makes her way over to the three of us, and when our eyes meet, she gives me a toothless smile.

She and I have become close over the last few weeks, and she has taken me under her wing before letting me soar into the big crazy world of the unknown.

"You have food for the ride?" She asks in her motherly tone.

I smile when I think of the bag of snacks and sandwiches she brought with her this morning. "I think we have enough for the week."

Pulling her into my arms, I rest my chin on her shoulder and whisper, "Thank you."

Moving away, she holds my hands at arm's length as the tears start to form in her eyes. "If you need anything, please call us."

It has taken some time getting used to having someone who cares as much as she does, but I have come to learn and understand her nurturing side— It's just who she is. Once I allowed the walls around my heart to lower, I allowed her in. It has been nice to have someone around to look out for my well being.

"You've already done so much. I can't thank you enough."

Cupping my cheeks with her soft hands, she gently rubs her thumb along my skin. The tenderness in her touch fills my heart with love.

"Impossible, Sweetheart. You two are part of our family, and you will be treated as such. We love you both so much."

Taking in the depth of her words, I nod my head and wipe away the tears flowing down my face. "Okay."

Pulling myself together, I turn and see Dom hugging Mr. Newman. The two of them have formed a special bond, one where it helps to ease the pain of those they are missing.

Dom's cheek is pressed firmly into his chest, and Mr. Newman's face is red as if he is trying to stay strong and hold back his emotions.

When they part, his large hand claps my brothers back. "You text me when you get there?"

I was finally able to get me and Dom cell phones. Trying to figure out how to use the fancy piece of technology has truly proven how out of touch with reality I have become. Luckily, I have a little brother who seemed to have been born with a gene that automatically wired him to be tech-savvy and was over the moon when I gave him a new phone for his birthday.

My brother's smile shines as bright as the burning sun as he says, "Yes, Mr. Newman."

With a raised brow, he looks down at Dom. "What did I tell you about calling me, Mr. Newman?"

At his words, Dom's toothy grin spreads even wider across his face. "Sorry, Bruce."

A light chuckle escapes from Mr. Newman's mouth as he brings Dom in for one last hug. "That's better."

Bruce's arms go wide when he turns towards me, and without any hesitation, I welcome his fatherly hug.

"Thank you for everything," I mumble into his chest.

"Gemma, you deserve this." He lightly kisses the top of my head while holding me tightly, something my father used to do. "I am so excited to hear about this next chapter of your life. Please, don't be too hard on yourself, Kiddo. You got this."

His kind words wash over me like a wave, leaving me covered in confidence.

I do have this.

Leaving his warm embrace, I take a deep breath to prepare me for the one person I have been dreading saying goodbye to— Mrs. Markus.

Before I even reach her, I release a loud sob, and my chest is so tight it feels like it's going to explode. My face leans on her shoulder, and I hold her tightly— not ready to let go.

Her fragile hand holds my head in place, and her soft voice cracks as she says, "It's okay, Sweet Girl."

With one last attempt, I beg, "Please come with us."

"Honey, you will be fine."

My grip increases to the point where if I apply any more force, she might break in half. I know the moment I pull away, it's time to get in my car and leave. I'm ready for this step. I'm just not prepared to let her go.

"Gemma, I'm always just a phone call away."

I know she is right, and I can call her no matter the time, but it's not the same as being able to walk across the hall and physically being with her.

I'm leaving a piece of my heart behind, and the thought of not seeing her everyday tears me apart. Mrs. Markus is my confidant, who else will be able to calm me down when the world goes dark?

Inhaling deeply, I take in the scent of her favorite floral perfume before slowly stepping back.

Using the back of my hand, I wipe the moisture from my cheek. Pulling Dom close, I sling my arm around his shoulder.

"You three..." My voice shakes as I try to put words together, but my throat feels as if it is closing, and my vocal cords no longer work.

After attempting to releasing the tension, I try again. "You three are incredibly important to us, and I have no words to describe how much we will miss you."

Mr. Newman has his arm draped around his wife, who is holding hands with a tearful Mrs. Markus. The sight is too much to bear, and while still holding on to my brother, I guide us back to the group.

The five of us huddle around one another, holding tightly. "We love you all so much. Thank you for everything you have done for us."

Taking Dom's hand in mine, I lead him towards the passenger side of the car. With the slam of the door, my head turns one last time to take a look at those I am leaving behind. The side of my lip pulls upwards in a pitiful attempt as I try to hold back the tears.

Being strong has never been this challenging, and with one final wave, I make my way into the car, determined not to turn back around.

With our seatbelts fastened, I turn the key in the ignition, and the car roars to life.

"Are you ready?" I ask Dom.

His dimples pop as his mouth pulls upwards, and he nods his head enthusiastically.

"Alright then, let's do this."