“Are you serious? I cannot believe it. Really, all this for me?”

“Yes, Lilly. This is yours, and you deserve every bit of it.”

Her father had been plotting and saving for years. Paul stood there in quiet awe, looking at his baby girl.

Lilly had completed her third year of college. It had taken her five years, though. Regardless, she was well on her way to becoming the veterinarian she had always wanted to be. Then, unexpectedly, she changed direction. She wanted to be a journalist.

Her favorite part of college had always been anything to do with writing. More and more, her thoughts drifted there. She could see herself traveling with her laptop, pen in hand, going on adventures and writing about them. The research aspect fit perfectly with her insatiable curiosity. It felt like a dream job.

She met his eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I pursue something that calls to me?” she said. “Surely, Dad, you wouldn’t want to hold me back from my desire to reach for the stars.”

Paul discouraged her at first.

“Lilly, absolutely not. I can’t afford to keep funding trial-and-error pursuits. And you know your mother would have wanted you to finish what you start.”

He paused, then continued, unable to stop himself.

“I’m certain you can still hear her voice as she dragged you to every practice, every event. ‘Lilly, you are going, and that’s it!’ You tried everything, art, dancing, debate. Remember the night you ran into our room convinced you were meant to be an influencer?”

He shook his head, a tired smile flickering.

“I didn’t believe it would last. They rarely did.”

Lilly felt the familiar defensive heat rise.

“Dad, you’re exaggerating, and you know it. Those weren’t failures. I was a kid learning who I am. You make it sound like a bad thing.”

Paul softened.

“Honey, I understand. But you’re a senior now, pursuing the one thing you’ve always wanted, your own veterinary clinic. I’ve watched you stay the course. Even through your mother’s cancer. Even after she died.”

His voice wavered.

“You never stopped showing up for her. You never stopped showing up for yourself. And now, just as you’re about to start your fourth year, you suddenly want to change everything.”

To be continued.

Tag you are it. If not, that’s ok too. Still, more to come.

Sending warmth and kindness.