Julia's POV

I watched my son in silence as I finished packing his small bag. Each neatly folded piece of clothing felt more difficult than it should have been. I had been preparing myself for this moment, but I hadn't realized how hard it would be.

My mother stood against the doorway, arms crossed, watching me with the same look of disgust she always wore, only now it seemed worse.

"You're stirring up trouble again, aren't you?"

I ignored her and calmly zipped the bag shut.

"It's only