Page 35 of I Survived and will rise again

Here goes nothing.

"I entered a photography contest to win a full college scholarship," I blurt. I take another deep breath, and Sophia touches my face as if to reassure me to keep going. Encouraged, I take a deep breath and continue. "I got accepted to a photography school in Tennessee."

Mom and Abuela gasp in unison, their faces reflecting mixed emotions. "Tennessee? But that's so far away," Mom whispers, her voice laced with worry.

Be gentle, I remind myself.

"I know, but it's such an amazing opportunity, Mom. I've always dreamed of studying photography, and this school is one of the best," I try to explain in Spanish.

Abuela's eyes sparkle with pride, but there is also a hint of sadness in her voice when she speaks. "We're all proud of you, mija. But it's just that it's unexpected."

"I know, Abuela. I didn't expect to get in, but I can't pass up this chance," I reply, feeling a pang of guilt at the thought of leaving them behind.

Despite her attempts to sound calm, Mom's voice shakes slightly as she speaks up. "What about Sophia and Jo? They need you here." I sense her unspoken concern for me, making my heart ache a little.

What she really means is,what about me?

"Sophia is coming with me, and I'll still be there for Jo, Mom. I'll come back to visit as often as possible, and we can video call all the time," I say, trying to calm her down. "And guess what? Tia is coming with me too, so I won't be alone. She found us an amazing apartment."

My mother's eyes widen as she processes my response. "Paloma was okay with Tia leaving?" she asks, her tone incredulous.

I nod. "Yes, she was," I confirm.

Tears brim in Abuela’s eyes as she speaks. "We understand, mija. It must have been a difficult choice to make. You have to do what's best for you," she says, her words heavy with the weight of sadness. "We just want you to be happy and fulfilled, no matter what path you choose."

I feel a surge of gratitude for their understanding, but I also know the weight of their sorrow. "I'll miss you both, but please, try to be happy for me. I promise I'll make you proud," I say, my voice breaking.

Mom looks up at me with tears in her eyes and a sad smile on her face. Without a word, she gets up and makes her way over to me, embracing me in a tight hug. I feel her warm tears on my shoulder as she whispers in my ear, "I am so proud of you. I'll miss you every day, but I know this is what you need.”

As I pull away from her, I see my abuela on my other side, holding Sophia in her arms. She looks up at me, her own tears streaming down her face, and rests her hand on my belly. "Promise me you'll take care of yourself, Sophia, and your baby," she says, "And never forget that we love you."

I nod, tears streaming down my face as I hug her tightly. "I promise," I say softly. "Thank you for everything and for taking care of Sophia when I couldn't. I'll never forget the love you've given me."

As we hold each other close, I know this moment has marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life but also for them. I am leaving behind the comfort of familiarity with home and stepping into a future filled with promise and potential. I will be able to give my children the life they deserve. A home withoutfear, hate, and violence. I understand that their love will always be my anchor, no matter how far away I am.

CHAPTER 13

Sadie

As I drive my car down the side street toward Donnie and Ash's fraternity house, I can’t shake off the anxious feeling. "Are you sure he's the only one home?" I ask Ash, hoping for a reassuring answer.

"Yeah, he is. I promise. The other guys won't be back until later tonight," he explains.

I shut off the ignition and let out a deep sigh, glancing at the house. It’s a large, two-story red brick house with white columns, making it look like it belongs in a different era.

"He's going to be really happy to see you, Shorty. He's been moping around since we moved here," Ash says as if he’s trying to lift my spirits.

I manage to put on a small smile and lean back against the headrest.

"He misses you," Ash adds softly. "Trust me, this is good for both of you."

"I know," I say in a whisper, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

"Do you..." Ash's voice is drowned out by a sudden burst of noise in the background. "I'm coming!" he yells before turninghis attention back to me. "Hey, Shorty, I gotta go, but do you still have the key?"

"Yes," I respond, my hand instinctively reaching for my pocket to make sure it’s still there.

"Okay, cool. He'll be in the basement. He spends more time down there than anywhere else besides practice."

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