In the gritty streets of Chicago, Katie finds herself at a crossroads, torn between her tumultuous past and an uncertain future. Escaping an abusive relationship, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determined to carve out a new path for her...
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The warm, cozy diner is filled with the familiar scents of maple syrup and freshly brewed coffee. Alvin, Lexi, and I sit in a booth by the window, where sunlight streams through the glass, casting a glow over our table. As I cut into my pancakes, I glance at Lexi, her long hair styled in a half-up, half-down look, the curled ends brushing her shoulders. She wears a striped linen shirt, looking every bit the carefree young woman she is.
"So, Lexi, have you picked a college yet?" I ask, taking a bite, my tone light and curious.
Lexi glances at her dad before a sly smile spreads across her young, beautiful face. "Actually, I was thinking about riding around with my boyfriend's band. They're touring from Chicago to Portland," she says, her tone carrying a mix of excitement and defiance.
I tilt my head, genuinely curious. "What does he play?"
Before she can answer, Alvin's expression shifts. His eyes narrow, and he sits up straighter. "Whoa, whoa. This is the first I'm hearing about this," he cuts in, clearly taken aback.
Lexi rolls her eyes, exasperation coloring her voice. "No, it's not, Dad. I told you about it like two weeks ago. Remember?" She crosses her arms, leaning back against the red leather booth.
Alvin's stern gaze softens slightly as he turns to me, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. "Katie, how old were you when you decided to become a cop?"
I take a sip from my steaming coffee mug, savoring the warmth before answering. "Probably right out of school but it took me a while to actually do it. I spent two years on patrol in the West Side. But I always knew school and life experience were equally important."
Alvin gives me a knowing look as he processes my words, then shifts his focus back to Lexi, his voice firm but with a hint of vulnerability. "Life experience is important, but so is having a plan. Riding around with a band doesn't sound like a plan."
Lexi's frustration flares as she leans forward, her voice sharp. "It's a chance to see the world, Dad. I thought you'd get it. You're always talking about how much you've seen because of your job."
Alvin sighs, rubbing the back of his neck, a weary look crossing his face. "This is different, Lex. Seeing the world through a patrol car window isn't the same as touring with some band. You need stability."
Sensing the tension between them, I try to step in, my tone gentle but practical. "You know, Lexi, there's nothing wrong with taking time to explore before college, but it's important to keep your options open. Maybe a gap year, maybe some college applications in the mix, just in case the band thing doesn't work out."
Lexi's expression softens as she considers my words. She glances at me, then back at her dad, her defiance giving way to something more thoughtful. "Yeah, maybe. I'll think about it."
