Page 42 of I Survived and will rise again

Before I can say anything, Seb clears his throat, and we all look to him. "We've been talking too and we want to run something by you," he says in a serious and authoritative tone.

Intrigued, I raise an eyebrow. "Okay. What is it?"

Gio, leaning against the wall with his hands tucked into his pockets, steps forward and says, "We also want to join the FBI." His eyes lock with mine, and my eyes dart back and forth between Gio, Seb, and Max. I lean forward, my curiosity piqued. "The FBI," I repeat, my voice laced with disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Seb, Gio, and Max nod. "Yes," Seb affirms, his words tinged with a sense of purpose.

I see the determination and resolve in his gaze. It is clear that they are serious about their decision, and it fills me with a sense of pride.

It's remarkable to witness the kind of courage and selflessness displayed by these young men. They fearlessly placed themselves in harm's way to shield Sadie and Tia from danger, a rare act of bravery in this day and age. It's not difficult to imagine the positive impact they will have on their community. With their unwavering commitment to serving and protecting their fellow citizens, they are sure to become outstanding police officers.

I lean back in my chair, the weight of their words sinking in. "I understand," I murmur, my tone a mixture of pride and concern. "But you should know that the FBI is no easy feat. It's going to take a lot of hard work and dedication."

"You doubting us already?" Gio asks, clearly amused.

"Not at all. It's a brave choice, and I respect you for it. The academy is tough, and being an agent comes with its own set of challenges."

Seb nods. "We know, Javi. But we're ready for that challenge," he adds.

I glance at Jo and notice his facial expression has softened, a faint smile now tugging at the corners of his lips. "I'm proud of you guys," I admit. "I’ll help each of you enroll to get started.”

Seb, Gio, and Max exchange glances, their resolve unyielding. "We’d hope you say that because we have a special request," Seb speaks for the group, his voice firm. "It has to be in Tennessee."

Jo smiles and shakes his head.

I look at these young men and consider all they are willing to do to stay together. It is impressive as hell, and it’s clear their bond is unbreakable, just like Tia’s bond with Sadie. Tia, who changed her entire plans to move to Tennessee.

Jo gives me a suspicious side-eye and says, "You know what this means, right?"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"We need our records clean, too," Max says, and I can't help but laugh.

"No, dumbass," Jo says, "I meant thatallthe girls are gonna follow, including Mom and Abuela. I ain’t leaving them behind."

"Oh, yeah. We ain't leaving them behind. It was bad enough that Sadie and Tia were not going to be around," Gio says.

"You guys ready for this?" I ask, eyeing each of them.

They all give me a firm nod. "Fuck yeah, we are," Max declares with bravado.

Hang on, Sadie. Your family's coming home.

The End.

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