“But my answer isn’t.

I won’t secure this loan.

I won’t be persuaded by a roomful of relatives.”

I stood, picked up my bag, and thanked Rosa for the meal.

Kenneth called my name as I walked out, but I did not turn around.

On the porch Laura was waiting beside her car.

I had asked her to meet me in case I wanted to leave early.

“How did it go?” she asked.