er, Ethan, 28

d that more times than I can count. As I savor my

ise, especially after seeing the most exquisite university library I've ever seen. I am confid

arkle of joy in his eyes. Even though he initially object

al with a smile. "You re

Once more

r head. I am aware that she supports me, but sadly, nobod

re, deeply this time. "I

is going to say as he

f time frame. I'm struggling not to

gone for years, even though I'l

et with me for leaving, but he was aware of how eager

business technology she's been dying to have." Mom gives Dad a comforting pat on the arm, remindin

y," I re

ad a mutual agreement on the

unk out of the meat on my p

dropping his food and cross

clubb

me to explain the remaining

late once again. "No w

h his finger. "And don't talk

floor. "I'm not a toddler." Th

sly, rests her chin on her fist

"You are not, but there a

unwilling to listen to his lengthy tirade a

but then he narro

oned the most crucial rule yet. When I say, "

all," Dad says with

my plate. I whisper to myself, "God, my love

gs and goes back to eating lunch. "Your

, "You're no

even allow me to live in the university residen

e of the best with the best security, bec

ey, isn't it? I firmly belie

uldn't meet my soulmate in col

uite evident. "I'm not allowing you to date

r what length of time? Until my

nods. She is aware that there

owl comes to my lips. I say, "You two me

ends, Dad swallo

as compl

ed, and he's only a year older than me

ng with her to support him and help him win this

, "Max is a true gentleman," as though there are no other boys b

ntil she turns 25," I scream. "Y

urn their heads in our direction, and I boldly place my f

ives a proud smirk. "

I am aware that I will lose. As long as he doesn't h

om a big embrace before we go. Thi

more tightly. She cups my cheek and gives

up. Enjoy yourself. Make lots of new pals. Despite some of her remarks contradicting Dad's statement,

together. I must admit that this is the f

eady spread wide. I feel like I'm five yea

that Dad will let it all out, even though he always acts tough around me. I wo

s we start to back off. The grief

still seems unreal, but it's time for him to give me some lee

important rule, do you?" My

one? I assumed i

me closely, it su

t up when you c

her another hug

. I should thus not ignore them anytime they call, no matter where I am. All they

me a wary glance. "D

I resist the impulse to roll my eyes, but I also kn

from them is difficult, despite my desire to live independently. Mom and Dad

owers the car window. My ey

e on my face, even though

I cherish you. Knowing that they will retu

as Dad sighs behind the whee

ve you

miles at me. "I

d the wheel, I watch them drive away until the

t the towering structure be

hit my face. It's among the most opulent residential buildings I've ever se

ave to pay for this home for me. He would only give me th

The owner stays at the top, I recall a staff member telling me. The owner of

the flat with resolv

in Washington. This university excha

's rules,' a voice in my