“It’s time.” I kiss her cheek.
“You’ve got this,” she tells me, understanding the small worry I have in the back of my mind. She puts her hand to my cheek. I lean into it. “You’re stronger than you know. You have a strength inside of you not even I have. A fearlessness. It’s why everyone is drawn to you.”
“Mom.” She’s going to make me cry. She releases me, and Aidon wraps me into his arms.
“Are you ready?” he asks. I look around to the three people I love more than anything, knowing we’ll always not only be ready but also unstoppable.