CHAPTER 16: Choosing Us

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Chapter 16: Choosing Us

The Decision

For days, they avoided the pressure of what everyone expected.

No forced explanations. No apologies for the way they looked at each other in quiet corners or how their fingers found each other when no one else was watching.

One night, under the campus lanterns, Daisy stopped mid-step.

"I've never let someone in when everything felt messy," she said.

Calvin took her hand. "Then let's be messy. Honest. Real. And still worth it."

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An Open Conversation

They sat across from each other in the café that Friday, no books, no distractions—just truth.

"I don't blame you," Daisy said softly. "I blame the people who taught us silence was safer than being seen."

Calvin nodded. "And I don't want to fix you, or make this perfect. I just want it to be real."

She reached across the table, her fingers brushing his. "Then let's build something from the ruins."

They didn't need dramatic declarations. The quiet choice was louder: we're still here.

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A New Kind of Introduction

Sunday afternoon, Calvin stood outside Daisy's home. She had invited him. Her idea.

Her mother opened the door first—wary, but curious.

Calvin smiled politely. "Hi. I'm Calvin."

Grace studied him, then stepped aside. "Come in."

Later, her father entered the room. Tension lingered like fog.

Daisy didn't flinch. "Dad, this is Calvin. And no matter what history you carry, he's not defined by your pain."

There was no apology in her voice—only strength.

Her father met Calvin's gaze. Something passed between them. Not forgiveness—but perhaps the start of respect.

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Evening Walk

As they walked home later, Calvin looked at her. "You were incredible."

"I was terrified," Daisy admitted.

He smiled. "That's what made it brave."

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