Valerie

Immediately after saying those words the result was immediate. There was no anger, no indignation, no pride like the past.

They looked completely shattered.

My mother's breath seemed to be heavier in the room like she was holding back tears. My father, holding her together looked resigned but there were tears now in his own eyes, his body trembling slightly.

“But…” I added, and the world seemed to grow still again. Their eyes met mine before I spoke.

“I accept it.”

As soon ...