Chapter 8 - The Break
Three weeks later, Maya moved out of her apartment.
Not because of money. Not because of her father. But because she wanted to.
The new place was smaller. Cheaper. Farther from the hotel. But it was hers. Completely hers. No subsidies. No secret help.
She told her father after she signed the lease.
He didn't argue. He didn't offer to help. He just nodded.
"When do you move?"
"Next weekend."
"I can help."
"I know. But I want to do it myself."
He looked at her.
"Okay," he said.
"Okay?"
"I'm trying."
She hugged him.
"I know," she said.
The move was exhausting.
Jess helped. Two other friends from college came. They carried boxes, assembled furniture, ordered pizza. It was normal. Ordinary.
Maya stood in the middle of her new living room, surrounded by boxes, and felt something she hadn't felt in weeks.
Peace.
That night, she called her father.
"I'm in," she said.
"Good."
"How are you?"
"Fine."
"Dad."
"What?"
"Are you okay?"
He was quiet.
"I'm learning," he said.
"Learning what?"
"To let go."
She closed her eyes.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For trying."
He didn't answer for a moment.
May you like
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too."
