Chapter 137. Painful Goodbyes

Anna’s mother let out a shaky breath, reaching for her, but Anna took another step back. If she let herself fall into her mother’s arms again, she might never leave.

Kevin exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “This is a mistake, Anna.”

“Maybe,” she said quietly. “But it’s my mistake to make. I’m grown. I mean, I’m not a full adult but you guys have to let me live. I need to make my own mistakes and learn from them. I’m not your little Anna who ran around in the rain.”

Her mother’s lips parted like she wanted to argue, to beg her to change her mind, but no words came out.

Her father finally spoke, his voice heavy with something Anna couldn’t quite place. “If you ever need help…real help…you call us.” 

By his words, she could already tell that he had agreed to trust her. It was not like he had much of a choice. She was doing this whether they liked it or not. 

Anna’s throat tightened. “I will.” It was a lie. She didn’t want them involved. They had