Finding you

Chapter 4

I feel the warm wind gliding past my face. I close my eyes and enjoy it. When I open them, I have the most beautiful view over New York. It's Sunday, the week is over. This week was busy, very busy. That was actually good. I could focus on work, which meant I didn't have to think much about the proposal Ellie gave me on Monday. I still don't know, but I have six more months to think about it, no stress. I'm standing on a terrace of one of the tall buildings in New York. I see the beautiful buildings, the sun is shining, and there's a slight breeze. I close my eyes again and feel the wind through my blonde hair. "June, what do you want to drink?" Lily calls out. I turn around and see her sitting in a comfortable chair. The waiter is standing next to her and looks at me questioningly. "I'll have a mojito," I say with a big smile. Nice weather always makes me very happy. Don't get me wrong, winter has its charm too, but I always get a bit of a winter blues. Summer makes me much happier; everything is more colorful, the weather is always nice, I can take walks whenever I want, and so on. I step forward and sit in the chair across from Lily. "It's been so long, June. You have to tell me everything, you know, the gossip," Lily says with a wink. "It's not really gossip, but it's big news," I say. "Ooh, now I'm curious, tell me everything." I tell her everything Ellie told and asked me last week. "So I honestly don't know what to do." Lily looks at me with wide eyes and takes the last sip of her drink. She puts her glass on the table and says nothing. She keeps looking at me. "Wow. Okay, I didn't expect that." I force a small smile. "Do you really have no idea?" Lily asks. "No, I have no clue. It's a life-changing decision. Either I follow my dreams and become a fashion designer in Paris for one of the most famous fashion houses in the world, or I stay here with my family and friends and just work on fashion designs." There's a moment of silence. I don't know what to say. I think Lily is happy for me, but I also think she'd rather I stay here. I try to think of something else. "I think you should do it." I stay silent. "This is your dream, not mine, not your parents'. It's your dream, this is what you've always wanted, June. So go for it, while you still can. Take that chance, it might be the best decision of your life. And if you don't, you'll definitely regret it." Lily smiles at me. She's right, this is my biggest dream. Why would I throw it away? "You're right," I say as I lift my glass. I take a sip and start daydreaming about Paris. Finally, I can pursue my dream.Later that evening, back in my apartment, I make myself comfortable. I put on some soft music and sit down with a notebook and a pen. I start making a list of all the pros and cons of moving to Paris. The pros are clear: the chance to work at a renowned fashion house, the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and the chance to take my career to the next level. The cons are mostly emotional: missing my family and friends, adjusting to a new culture, and leaving everything familiar behind. As I write, I notice that the pros outweigh the cons. The adventure is calling, and I begin to see more and more that this is an opportunity I can't pass up. But how do I tell my parents? They've always supported me, but I know they'll miss me. I decide to call them tomorrow and share my thoughts. Maybe we can come up with a plan together for how to stay in touch and visit each other. With that thought, I close my notebook and put it on the coffee table. I feel relieved and at the same time excited. The prospect of going to Paris seems less and less scary and more like a logical next step in my life. I know I still have a lot to arrange and plan, but for now, I enjoy the feeling that I'm making a decision that truly fits me.The next morning, I call my parents again. This time I'm determined to tell them my decision. "Mom, Dad, I've thought it over," I begin. "And I think I'm going to do it. I'm going to Paris." There's a short silence on the other end of the line, but then I hear my mom's warm voice. "We are so proud of you, June. This is your dream, and we support you, no matter what you decide." My dad chimes in. "We'll miss you, but we want you to be happy. Paris will be great for you." Their support means the world to me. I feel a tear of joy roll down my cheek. "Thank you. I'll make sure we can talk often and that you can visit me. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and I'm so glad you're by my side." With a relieved heart, I begin preparations for my big adventure. Paris is waiting for me, and I'm ready to take this new step.