Tears streamed down Christine's face as she stared at her daughter in disbelief. The words hung heavy in the air between them, each syllable cutting deeper than the last.
"Kimi, why are you choosing to leave now?"
The question trembled from Christine's lips as she and Felix stood in their living room, still processing what their daughter had just announced. The shock of hearing Kimi declare she was departing tonight left both parents reeling.
Kimi's expression remained eerily composed, her voice carrying an unsettling steadiness that made Christine's heart ache. "Mom, Dad, you both knew I promised to stay through my birthday celebration. The birthday has come and gone, and I remained for the competition as well. Now that everything has concluded, it's time I return to where I truly belong."
