“Dad, I don’t want to hide from reality. The thickness of my ivory tower is diminishing already. And I want to come home badly too. But I should stay here longer. I feel like there’s still more to discover in this place, and I deem that summer isn’t truly over yet. Dad, please, just do this for me. You’re the one who told me to reside here for the summer. Let me grow some more,” I pleaded. There was silence on the other end, and all I could hear was breathing. “Essie, it’s hard enough to be away from you for as long as I have been. Why wait any longer?” Daddy asked. “Casimir’s father isn’t staying for his birthday,” I replied, not knowing what I would say next. But then the words came to me. “No one is there to watch him grow, or to nurture him. You always told me that was important for anyone. I’ve learned a lot from numerous recent experiences, both back home and here in London. I’ve realized that as friendship continues to bloom, the ties of family are always remembered,” I said finally.