After she walked away, I turned to Jessica in amazement. “You didn’t have to do that. I know you wanted to stay in Detroit for your resident.”
“And I still can,” Jessica said. “But I won’t do it by letting Mom and Dad manipulate the situation or by letting you miss out on opportunities. That’s not who I want to be.”
Across the room, I saw my parents finally rising from their table, moving hesitantly in our Direction. Their path was slow, interrupted by guests who wanted to talk about me—a novel experience that was clearly unsettling for them.
“Here they come,” Jessica murmured. “Ready for this?”
“Not really,” I admitted.
“Dr Fleming certainly had some impressive things to say about you,” my father said when they finally reached us, his tone carefully calibrated to sound proud while masking his confusion. “The Patterson Fellowship—that’s quite an honor. Why didn’t you tell us you were even being considered for something so prestigious?” my mother asked, a hint of accusation in her voice.
“Would it have mattered?” I asked quietly. “You’ve made it clear where your support and interest lie.”
My parents exchanged uncomfortable glances.
“That’s not fair, Audrey,” my father began.