“That I might take you up on.”

After hanging up, I went outside and stood where the roses had once climbed along the railing.

The winter air stung my cheeks.

I could almost see the version of myself who had stood outside the mansion prepared to end every argument through destruction.

I did not despise her.

She was a frightened mother.

But I was grateful I had not let her decide the rest of our lives.

PART 15