She's Counting Down

Each day she gives the countdown till she turns 18 and can move out and be on her own and finally have her own space and her own room. I pretend I’m excited with her for her to find herself through her independence. I pretend to share her joy as that day draws nearer …now only 382 days! She’ll be happy. She’s a strong young woman head on straight good grades no drugs or alcohol not boy crazy a beautiful person inside and out. She doesn’t know it hurts me when she counts those days off. She has no idea how I feel inside when she squeals with delight at the thought of moving away. I’ll keep pretending. I know I’ve done my job well and she will be something. She will be productive and successful and independent and she will come back.