Chapter 20: The Choice

I was stunned for a while, finally getting her point.

The enormity of her dreams pressed down on me, making my head swim. My hands and feet turned cold.

I clenched my fists, trying to hide the trembling. I was a bit afraid.

Afraid of what it would mean to join her, afraid of what might happen to us both. Really afraid.

But my chest felt hot.

The warmth of hope, of pride, of something bigger than myself, began to burn. My mother sighed.

She reached out, smoothing my hair, her touch gentle. She told me she really had no other plan for bringing me here.

Her voice was low, almost apologetic. She was just too lonely—nobody could understand her, until she finally met me, someone from the same place and time.

Her shoulders relaxed, as if a great weight had been lifted. She said she only wanted to teach me some progressive ideas, so I wouldn’t waste my life in the future.

She wanted to leave me tools for survival, not burdens. But now, it seems that’s not needed anymore.

She smiled softly, her eyes full of pride. This is good enough.

Her words wrapped around me like a blessing. As for here—

“Jumoke, this is what I must do. It has nothing to do with you,” my mother said seriously.

Her tone was final, but I could hear the love hidden beneath.