Chapter 17

Katrina paused on the other end of the line, her eyes gradually welling up. She wiped away the tears and smiled softly. "Alright. I'll think about it." "Okay." Clara smiled, too, though a trace of guilt lingered in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Aunt Katrina. I didn't talk to you about the voluntary teaching before making the decision." Clara hadn't made the decision on a whim—she had thought it through. Since she knew Katrina wouldn't easily agree, she kept it to herself until everything was finalized. Katrina never blamed her, but Clara still felt the need to apologize. With a long sigh, Katrina said, "It's not your fault, Clara. If anything, I should apologize. I've been so focused on the company that I neglected you. That's how things ended up this way. I'm not against you volunteering. I just worry. That place is remote, and you're all alone." She paused briefly, then continued, "You're an adult now. Whatever you choose to do, I'll support you. Just keep moving forward no matter what.