A pause stretched between us before she responded, “I’m glad to hear that. We’ll begin arrangements for your departure in the next few days. But I must remind you—during the three-year project, you’re not allowed to maintain any contact with people from your current life.”
“I understand, Professor,” I replied quietly, “and I’m ready.”
Before she could say more, I ended the call.
This time, I wasn’t running away from my past.
I was walking away from it—finally, for good.
I began gathering my things, moving with urgency. The house felt like it was closing in on me, every wall pressing tighter by the second. Just then, the door groaned open and my mother walked in, her eyes immediately narrowing at the chaos. “What’s going on in here?” she asked, voice tinged with concern.
With unsteady hands, I pulled the zipper of my suitcase shut. “I’ve decided to take up the research project Professor Valenti offered,” I said, trying to sound composed.
She blinked in surprise, then a joyful smile bloomed across her face. “That’s amazing news, honey! I had a feeling you’d say yes eventually. This opportunity has always been your dream.”