y appetite; I excused myself and stepped out. It was getting late, but I couldn't stay. I felt suffocated. I headed to the

tinue the story. He

pped. I couldn't believe he was serious about arranging a marriage for me. I'd always th

less times my parents had tried to set me up with girls from good families, hoping I'd settle down and start a

hands. I wondered who this woman was and what she was like.

ked my car. I got out and walked to the nearby park, taking deep bre

d's plan and meet this woman, or I could refuse and risk causing a rift in our rel

uld answer. We'd been friends since childhood, and he knew me better than

Tyron answered, his v

iage for me," I said, get

her end of the line. "What?

ation, feeling a sense of relief as I share

ted the conversation with my dad. When

why you're freaking out," he sa

ilroaded into something I don't want," I

go along with it or put your foot dow

part of me doesn't want to disappoint him. He's getting older, and I know he

woman would be lucky to have you. But you need

And the thought of meeting some stranger my dad's picked ou

d the right to make your own decisions about your life. If you're not feeling it, don't do it. You

gratitude towards Tyron. His words of wis

en a voice of reason for me," I

w my dad's plan blindly. I could forge my own path and make my