The Daughter They Abandoned Is The Doctor They Can’t Reach Chapter 07
On the final day of the summer program, the director announced the results in the auditorium.
Twenty names.
Mine was fourth on the list.
“The full merit scholarship covers all tuition, housing, meals, and fees for the next four years, and includes a research stipend.”
Applause broke out. I stared at my name on the screen and slowly let out a breath.
I didn’t have to go back to Pittsburgh.
I didn’t need anyone to pay for my future.
That night, the official agreement arrived in my inbox. I read every line, clicked accept, and signed my name without hesitation.
Then I emailed Ms. Alvarez.
*Thank you for writing my recommendation. I got the scholarship.*
Her reply came quickly.
*I knew you could do it. Your family must be so proud of you.*
My hands stopped over the keyboard.
A few seconds later, I typed a single line.
*Yes, they know.*
It was a lie, but it was enough to keep her from asking more questions.
Over the next few days, I used my new email and new number to complete housing, course registration, and medical forms. Every signature line held only my name.
I was eighteen.
I didn’t need parental permission, and I didn’t need to give them access to my records. Before leaving Pittsburgh, I had filed the FERPA restrictions. They couldn’t even call and ask for my course schedule.
When the summer program ended, I stayed near campus. During the day, I studied ahead for fall classes in the library. At night, Eli and I talked over course selections. He sent me his dorm checklist and reminded me not to forget a desk lamp.
Life felt steady, like I had finally landed on tracks that belonged to me.
My parents didn’t remember my birthday, so they probably didn’t remember this either—
I was already an adult, legally able to sign for every decision in my own life.