The Luna Choosing Game

“Everyone knows you are capable, especially Prince Nicholas. But wanting and needing are different,”

Susie said. “You are allowed to want things, Piper, even if you don’t need them. You are allowed to want

to be taken care of once in a while. No one should have to stand alone all the time.”

“I do,” I said, though listening to her words, I wondered what it would be like to let myself depend on

others, even just a little bit.

I had friends here and at home. Anna, Susie, Nicholas, Julian, and Mark. They were each dependable, in

their own ways. If I needed them, they would likely answer my call.

But that was just the problem. I couldn’t need them. I could let myself be weak enough to even want

their help.

I had to be able to stand on my own, as I always had.

“There has to be some way that I can prove to Nicholas that I can defend myself,” I said. “I’d feel better

then, I think, even if he still wants to protect me after. I don’t want him to think that he has to.”

Susie hummed as she considered it.

turned away from her stuffed animals to look at me. “Do you need

I held up my

pouring motion.

hot,” Elva

with understanding, and so I gently blew over the cup before I

tea. “Delicious,” I said.

Elva smiled.

at Susle, she was sneaking glances toward Mark standing at the

lock eyes and smile

the two of

an idea

“Mark,” I said.

way

ed Mark.

bit of red dusted his cheeks. Did

out for looking at

“Yes, Miss Piper?”

know many self–defense techniques?” I

“I do.”

you thinking Pino

are you thinking, Piper?” Susie asked.

at her, but then I asked Mark, “Do you think you could teach

surprised. Susie did too.