@Klegger 13 January 2025 more from that month

Who was I before ( I ) Gabriella's father gently knocked on her bedroom door. It was late at night, but the light in his daughter's room was still on. Gabriella, who was sitting at her study desk, paused her activity for a moment. She walked toward the door and opened it. Her father gave a faint smile before stepping inside. "May I sit down for a moment?" he asked, gesturing toward Gabriella's bed. Gabriella nodded softly. "Of course, Dad." Her father sat carefully on the edge of the bed. He seemed hesitant, as if trying to figure out the best way to say something important. Gabriella stood near her study desk, waiting to hear what he had to say. "Gabriella," her father said softly, his voice slightly awkward. "Starting tomorrow, you will be going to school outside the house. Your mom and I have decided. You won’t be studying at home anymore." Gabriella froze. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. Those words felt like a breath of fresh air she had been waiting for, yet she also felt confused, not entirely sure what her father meant. Seeing his daughter’s expression, her father continued, "I know this is sudden. But it’s the right time. You’re 17 now, and as I promised before, you can now leave the house and start living outside." Gabriella took a deep breath. Her mind raced as she tried to process the news. She was 17—the age she had always imagined as the beginning of freedom. All her life, she and her 7-year-old sister had lived shielded behind the high walls of their home. Her family was immensely wealthy, and her parents were world-renowned as the owners of a highly successful corporation. But for security reasons, they chose to protect their children’s privacy. And now, after 17 years of being sheltered, Gabriella was finally being given the chance to step outside and see the world. "Alright, Dad," Gabriella replied, her voice trembling slightly. She felt nervous, but an overwhelming sense of happiness surged within her. Her father smiled in relief. He stood up and walked toward the door. "Then get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day for you," he said as he opened the door. Gabriella simply nodded, smiling, and replied, "Good night, Dad." After her father closed the door, Gabriella stood still for a moment. She stared at the ceiling, trying to process this new reality. Then, suddenly, without realizing it, she did a small jump in place and whispered excitedly to herself. "I’m going outside!" she said enthusiastically, her wide smile not leaving her face.