Part 1: Choosing Love When Approval Comes at a Price

along a polished grand piano.

“So,” she said. “Is this relationship going anywhere?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation. “I asked Anna to marry me.”

Her hand froze midair.

“I see,” she said.

“She said yes.”

My mother straightened her jacket and finally looked at me.

“If you marry her,” she said carefully, “don’t ask me for anything. You’re choosing that continue reading …