"When we lost Sam, he was a freshman in college and I was still in middle school. My parents were very into the idea of me taking a nice safe job as a secretary or a teacher. But I didn't want that. And I figured if I can't protect my dream then I will give up... Well, they hadn't said anything about me after I got a scholarship to study in one of the best academies," she said as she smiled and lifted her shoulders in a casual shrug.
"I can imagine they likely had a good deal to say about it when they found out you were taking art as your major."
"Yeah, that they did," she said. "I think my Dad shouted so loud he could have put a drill sergeant to shame. Mom just cried. She was convinced I was going to get my life ruined." She paused and looked down at the floor. "At least, they both died before I could prove them wrong."
"Everyone dies sometime, Mifa," Ayana said gently.
"Well death did come unexpectedly but it doesn't keep from being final."
