"Are you sure you can find your way? I can walk you back."

"No, no," my mother says, "we remember the way. Don't worry. We'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Breakfast will be brought over at seven. I know you two get up early."

My mom strokes my cheek and says goodnight. I close and lock the door behind them, knowing that my mother and I aren't the same as we used to be. There's no need to fight anymore. She won't be knocking on my door, telling me to wake up, or egging me on about traveling to find my mate. She won't have to ignore my rants about being...