Chapter 22

The walk to the ice cream shop feels endless. I can't stop wondering what I'll do with the money my father gave me. I'm using all the time I have to imprint the streets of this city in my memory. I'm still not sure if I want to leave, but if I do, I want to take my mother with me. Build a life together.

Franklin is an amazing tutor. I've never understood the classes as well as I do now. He takes the time to explain every little thing I don't understand in great detail. He's also a good friend and companion. He smiles a lot, occasionally drops some coarse comments, but I've grown accustomed to his personality. When I'm with him, I feel quite at ease, as if I have no worries. Franklin has shown me that I can be more than the girl who worries about everything, more than the girl who ruins everything she touches. He's sarcastic, loves to make clever remarks, and that's one of the things I enjoy most about him. He's undoubtedly a good friend.

As I enter the ice cream shop, I