Chapter 19 - Rose Planned Her Own JourneyDuring her junior year, Rose called me.
“I’m going abroad.”
Every muscle in my body tightened.
Then she laughed.
“Mom.”
“I’m listening.”
She had been accepted into a semester program in Europe.
She had researched everything.
Flights.
Housing.
Emergency contacts.
Embassy locations.
Insurance.
She had even purchased a backup phone.
Then she said:
“I’m not scared anymore.”
I smiled.
“You're allowed to be scared.”
“I know.”
That was the difference.
Fear wasn't weakness.
Caution wasn't drama.
And independence didn't require trusting people who had already proved careless with your safety.
At the airport, Rose hugged Darius.
Then me.
Before security, she tapped the passport pouch beneath her jacket.
“Right here.”
“Don't lose it.”
She gave me an exaggerated glare.
May you like
Then we both laughed.
For the first time, that joke belonged to her.
