Teen 18 Yo -

“Because I was the one who left the notebook in his study,” she said softly. “He never finished it. I did. Happy birthday, baby. Now fly.”

“Ready now, Dad.”

The pre-flight checklist took ninety minutes. Fuel pressure: green. Oxygen: cycling. The single seat had been molded to his body two years ago. He strapped in, and for a terrifying moment, he felt the weight of every decision he’d ever made. Not going to college. Quitting the soccer team. Telling his mom, “I have to do this.” teen 18 yo

“Leo. It’s Mom.”

“Yeah,” Leo said, breathing real air again. “But I’m an idiot who just flew a garbage can to the edge of space.” “Because I was the one who left the

Then he fired the retros and began the long fall home. Happy birthday, baby

And that was fine.