“We’re going to be good. We’re going to be so happy when you get back. But we’ll survive without you. You need to do this. You’ll regret not doing this.” I blink. “What if I don’t win this year? Then I’ll be gone next year too.” “Then we’ll be here waiting for you to get home next year too. I’m dreading going back to work too. But the world doesn’t stop. Dreams don’t evaporate. We’re going to figure this out.” She swallows, her throat working. I can tell she’s not done but is having an internal pep talk with herself to get the words out. “As a family.”
