Liam sat at the kitchen table, his latest report card sitting between him and his parents. A perfect 100 stared back at him from every subject except one: 98. His father's voice cut through the heavy silence.
"You think scoring 98 gives you the right to talk about moving out?" His father's tone was stern, eyes narrowed. "Liam, you need to get your priorities straight. No more unnecessary fights at school, and certainly no girls to distract you. We don't want you hanging around that Lily."
Liam held back his frustration. This conversation had played out so many times in his head, but now that it was happening, it felt harder than he'd anticipated. "I've already found an apartment, and I have scholarships to cover most of my living expenses. I'll also work part-time to pay the rent. My grades won't suffer."
His mother's gaze softened but remained concerned. "But why now, Liam? Why the rush to leave? You have everything here. You don't need to do this."
Liam took a deep breath. "Because I need space. You both pressure me every day to be perfect, and it's exhausting. But here's my deal: I'll keep scoring perfect marks. As long as I do that, you won't interfere in my personal life."
His father's lips thinned. "And if you don't?"
"Then I'll come back," Liam replied. "But I won't fail. I've never failed before."
His parents exchanged glances, and after a moment, his father sighed. "Fine. But if your grades slip, even once…"
"They won't," Liam promised.
Later that evening, Liam stood in his room, staring at his open suitcase. He had packed only the essentials—clothes, books, and a few personal items. As he folded the last shirt, a wave of emotion hit him. This was the room where he had spent his entire life, where every report card, every academic achievement had been meticulously displayed, yet it had never felt like his own space.
Leaving wasn't just about finding independence—it was about escaping the constant pressure to be perfect. But even with this decision made, there was a pang of sadness. He wasn't just leaving a house; he was leaving behind the hope that his parents would one day understand him.
With his suitcase zipped and backpack slung over his shoulder, Liam took one last look around. This was it.
Liam arrived at the apartment building, his heart pounding in his chest. The building was older but had a certain charm with its ivy-covered walls and wooden staircases. A sign near the entrance read "Manager's Office," and he knew this was his next step.
Inside, the apartment manager, a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on her nose, looked up from her paperwork. "You must be Liam Foster. I've been expecting you."
"Yes, ma'am," Liam replied, extending a polite smile. "I'm here to sign the final lease papers."
She motioned for him to sit. "I reviewed your scholarship details, and everything checks out. You're all set to move in. It's a shared house for four tenants, but only two rooms are occupied right now—yours and one other. You'll have more company soon, I'm sure."
Liam nodded as he signed the papers, feeling a strange mix of nerves and relief. "Thank you. I'll do my best to be a good tenant."
The manager smiled kindly. "I'm sure you will. Welcome home."
Liam stood outside the apartment, his suitcase in hand. The reality of what he had just done began to sink in. He wasn't going back. This was his new life, away from the suffocating expectations of his parents.
The front door creaked open, and Lily popped her head out with a bright smile. "There you are! I thought you'd never get here."
She rushed toward him, arms wide open, pulling him into a hug before he could even respond. "This is going to be so much fun! My parents even said yes. Can you believe it? They're totally okay with me staying here because, well, they love you!"
Liam raised an eyebrow but couldn't help smiling at her enthusiasm. "I'm not sure 'fun' is the right word."
"Oh, stop being such a serious stick in the mud," Lily teased, grabbing his suitcase. "Come on, let me show you your new home."
As they stepped inside, Liam glanced around the modest space. It was simple, with just enough room for four tenants. Right now, only two rooms were occupied, but the thought of new roommates was both daunting and interesting.
The kitchen was small but cozy, the living room furnished with mismatched secondhand furniture. It wasn't much, but it was freedom. He could feel it in the air—no more stifling expectations, no more constant criticism.
Lily twirled in the center of the room, laughing. "I can't believe we have this whole place to ourselves for now! It's perfect."
Liam dropped his suitcase near the couch, shaking his head at her boundless energy. "It's definitely different."
She plopped down on the old couch, beaming. "You know, I'm really proud of you. It must've been hard leaving your parents, but you made the right choice. We'll figure things out here, okay?"
Liam sat beside her, the weight of everything settling in. "Thanks, Lily. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She leaned her head against his shoulder, her voice softening. "You'll never have to find out."