The aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins hung heavy in the air, a comforting shield against the rising tide of anxiety churning in Eleanor’s stomach. She surveyed the kitchen, a space meticulously organized, each utensil and spice jar residing in its designated spot – a testament to her lifelong pursuit of order amidst the chaos of motherhood. Soon, this space, this entire house, would feel unnervingly quiet. Liam was leaving for university.

He bounded down the stairs, two at a time, his energy a stark contrast to her own subdued emotions. He was a miniature version of his father, all sharp angles and boundless enthusiasm. His dark hair, perpetually tousled, framed a face etched with youthful optimism, a face Eleanor adored.

"Morning, Mum! Smells amazing!" He grabbed a muffin, already halfway through it before reaching the table. "Thanks. I swear, I'm going to miss these more than the clean laundry."

Eleanor smiled, the familiar teasing easing the knot in her chest. "Don't let your professors hear you say that. They expect brilliance, not comfort food."

Liam chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Brilliance fueled by blueberry muffins, of course. It's my secret weapon."

She watched him, a bittersweet ache settling in her heart. This was the culmination of years of sacrifice, late-night homework sessions, early morning soccer practices, and countless peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. She’d poured her life into nurturing him, guiding him, and preparing him for this very moment. Now, he was ready to fly.

"Have you packed everything? Passport? Bank details? Insurance card?" She rattled off the list, a litany she’d repeated countless times in the past week.

Liam rolled his eyes playfully. "Mum, relax. I'm not going to Outer Mongolia. It's just Cambridge. And yes, I have everything. Checked and double-checked."

Cambridge. Just saying the name sent a shiver of pride down her spine. He’d worked so hard, and he deserved this. She’d always encouraged him to pursue his dreams, even if it meant putting her own on hold.

"I just want you to be prepared," she said, her voice softening. "University is a big step. A new world."

He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I know, Mum. And I'm grateful for everything you've done. I really am."

His sincerity touched her, momentarily dissolving the fear that gnawed at the edges of her happiness. This was what she wanted for him: independence, success, a fulfilling life.

After breakfast, they loaded the car, a small hatchback overflowing with suitcases, boxes of textbooks, and Liam’s treasured guitar. Eleanor felt a pang of nostalgia for the days when car rides were filled with sing-alongs and silly games, not the weighty silence of unspoken goodbyes.

The drive to Cambridge was a blur. Eleanor clung to every detail, etching the rolling green hills and picturesque villages into her memory. She wanted to remember this drive, this feeling, this last moment of having him so close.

The university campus was a whirlwind of activity, a vibrant tapestry of students from all walks of life. Eleanor watched Liam navigate the crowds with ease, his confidence radiating outward. He seemed so at home, so ready for this new adventure.

After helping him unpack and settle into his dorm room, a surprisingly cozy space with a view of the historic King’s College Chapel, Eleanor felt the moment of truth approaching. The air crackled with unspoken emotions.

"So," she said, her voice wavering slightly, "I think that's everything. I've left a few extra muffins in the fridge. And remember to call. Please."

Liam pulled her into a tight hug. "I will, Mum. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

She hugged him back, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne, a blend of sandalwood and something uniquely Liam. She wanted to freeze this moment, to hold onto it forever.

As she pulled away, she reached into her handbag and handed him a thick envelope. "This is… well, this is your allowance. For the term. I know university can be expensive, and I want you to be able to focus on your studies without having to worry about money."

Liam’s eyes widened slightly as he took the envelope. "Mum, this is… generous. Are you sure?"

Eleanor forced a smile. "Absolutely. You deserve it. Just… be responsible, okay? And remember to budget." She'd spent weeks researching the average cost of living for a student in Cambridge, adding a generous buffer for unexpected expenses. She wanted him to have enough to enjoy himself, to socialize, to fully experience university life, but she also wanted him to learn the value of money.

"Of course, Mum. I will. Thanks again. You're the best." He gave her another hug, a quick, almost perfunctory one this time, his attention already drifting towards the other students bustling around the campus.

Eleanor watched him go, her heart aching with a mixture of pride and sadness. He was ready. He was independent. He was… gone.

As she drove back home, the car felt eerily silent. The blueberry muffins, now cold and stale, sat untouched on the passenger seat. She replayed the scene in her head, searching for any sign that she’d said the wrong thing, that she’d somehow failed him.

She knew, logically, that this was a good thing, a necessary step in his journey towards adulthood. But the empty space in the house, the silence that echoed through the rooms, was a constant reminder of her new reality.

Little did she know, as she navigated the familiar roads back to her empty nest, that the generous allowance she'd so carefully planned, meant to ease Liam’s transition, would soon become a source of unexpected tension, a catalyst for a series of events that would force her to confront her own long-buried dreams and ultimately, reshape her life in ways she could never have imagined. It wouldn't be used for textbooks and stationery only, Seraphina was about to get into the picture. Liam would soon want to show Seraphina the time of her life.