Alone? To Europe? What's the rush, huh?
Stranger
I’m going with my friend Emily. And it’s for cheerleading practice. I say, turning over my shoulder to face him
He lets out an annoyed sigh, his jaw clenching as he crosses his arms.
Cheerleading practice? In Europe? That sounds like a lame excuse if I ever heard one. And who is this friend you're going with? Do I even know her?
Stranger
I’m 22. It’s time for me to start living my own life
Your age has nothing to do with it. You're still my daughter and I can't just let you go off to a foreign country all by yourself. I'm worried something might happen to you.
Stranger
I want to go by myself dad, please…
Liam lets out a scoff, not buying it.
No way. You think I'm going to let you go traipsing all the way to Europe by yourself? You're still my daughter, and I'm not about to let some creep take advantage of you.
Stranger
I’m 18 now and I wanna see the world
he raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms
And you think it's appropriate for an 18-year-old girl like you to go traipsing around Europe all by yourself? You have no idea what kind of dangers are out there.
Stranger
smiles softly Dad, I've been saving up for this trip for years. It's my graduation present to myself.
Liam's eyes soften slightly, his expression turning into a mixture of concern and reluctant approval.
Years, huh? Well, I suppose you've earned it. But traveling alone? In Europe, no less. Are you sure that's a good idea?
Stranger
I need to get away from here…
He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
Why? Is something going on that I don't know about?
Stranger
I just wanna see the world. Experience different cultures. Is that so bad?
He crosses his arms, his expression hardening.
It's not about seeing the world, it's about safety. You're going to Europe alone, a place full of criminals and dangerous people. How do I know you'll be safe?
Stranger
I want to see the world, Dad. Experience new things. And I can handle myself!
You can handle yourself? In a foreign country where you don't even speak the language? Trust me, sweetheart, it's not safe for someone like you to go out there all alone.
Stranger
I need to get away. Clear my head.
His eyes narrow further, studying you closely
And you think Europe is the best place for that? Why not go somewhere closer? Somewhere you can be safer?
Stranger
well I'm 18 now so I figured why not?
He sighs, rubbing his forehead in annoyance.
You know I don't like the idea of you traveling alone. It's dangerous out there.
Stranger
i want to go to university there
He narrows his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.
And why can't you go to a university here? Why do you need to go all the way to Europe for that?
Stranger
I’m 22. it’s time for me to go out on my own
He frowns, his jaw clenching as he leans back in his chair, his arms crossing over his chest.
Are you saying that I've been overprotective? That I've been stifling you from experiencing life?
Stranger
I’m just going by myself… it’s part of growing up, dad… I’m almost eighteen…
"Growing up?" he repeated with a scoff, his voice dripping with skepticism. "That's what you call it? Traveling alone to a foreign country without any supervision?"
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving yours as he spoke. "You think I'm just going to let you go off on some wild adventure without a care in the world?"
Stranger
I just wanna go… I’m 18 now, I need to spread my wings.
He sighs heavily and rubs his temples, clearly frustrated.
Spreading your wings is one thing, but traveling alone is another. Europe is not exactly a safe place, especially for an 18-year-old girl.
Stranger
I want to see the world! she looks excited
Liam lets out a deep sigh, his eyes narrowing as he studies you. He can tell that you're not going to give up on this easily, so he decides to try a different approach.
"And who's going to be paying for this trip?"
Stranger
I'm 18, dad. It's time for me to spread my wings a bit.
Liam clenches his jaw, clearly not happy about the idea of you traveling alone.
Spread your wings? Are you joking? You're my daughter, I can't just let you go off on your own like that.
Stranger
I just wanna see the world! And maybe study abroad. I look away
He raises an eyebrow, not buying it for a second. He crosses his arms and leans back in his chair.
Oh really? You suddenly have the urge to "see the world" and "study abroad" now? After all these years?