"Dad steps away from the window, and I'm alarmed to discover his eyes are wet. Something about the idea of my father-even if it is -on the brink of tears raises a lump in my throat. "Well,kiddo.Guess you're all grown up now." My body is frozen. He pulls my stiff limbs into a bear hug.His grip is frightening. "Take care of yourself. Study hard and make some friends. And watch out for pickpockets," he adds. "Sometimes they work in pairs." --