Chapter Nine: "The Fragile Thread"
By the time the semester ended, Andra had built a routine. She was no longer dependent on Parker for financial help. She had her tutoring, her photography job, and her studies. Her family continued to support her, but she could feel their relief when they saw her standing on her own.
But Parker didn't let go.
He showed up at her apartment one evening, uninvited, with Janine trailing behind him. She opened the door to see him standing there, a hesitant look in his eyes.
"I thought we could all talk," Parker said, his voice softer than usual.
Andra raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
"I've been thinking a lot. About Kingsley. About you."
She crossed her arms. "I'm not interested in hearing about your thoughts, Parker. I'm doing fine without your help."
His face dropped. "Andra, I want to be a part of Kingsley's life. I want to be there."
Andra's heart raced. "You want to be there when it's convenient for you. But when I ask you for help, you don't show up. I'm not doing this anymore."
Janine stepped forward, her voice smooth. "Parker really does care, you know. It's just... complicated."
Andra shook her head. "If he cared, he would show up. He hasn't. And that's all there is to it."
She slammed the door, leaving them standing outside.
She felt the weight of her decision. But in that moment, she felt the lightness of letting go.