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.

stuffed animals to look at me.

you.” I held up my teacup for her. She lifted the

pouring motion.

Elva said.

over the cup before I pretended to drink the

“Delicious,” I

Elva smiled.

looked back at Susle, she was sneaking glances toward Mark

lock eyes and smile

the two of

an idea

“Mark,” I said.

way ne

ed Mark.

him. A bit of red dusted his cheeks. Did he

him out for looking

“Yes, Miss Piper?”

you know many self–defense techniques?” I asked.

“I do.”

you thinking Pino

thinking, Piper?” Susie

Mark,

seemed surprised. Susie did too.