When I wake up at noon, I have multiple texts from Ace. Instead of reading them, I get out of bed, make Wudu, and complete the Dhuhr prayer. Once I’m finished, I start a group FaceTime with Nandini and Cora.

Neither hesitates to pick up, even though Nandini has to slip into the bathroom of her cousin’s home and Cora has to duck into an alcove of the mall in order to hear me.

Cora takes one look at my face and says, “We’re coming over tomorrow.”

I laugh weakly, throwing my head back against my pillow. “Please do.”

“Are you okay?” Nandini asks, voice low with concern.

I shake my head and swipe hastily at my eyes when tears begin to spill. I tell them everything my parents said the night before, and by the time I’m done, I feel lighter. Like a weight has lifted off my chest.

I’m so grateful to my friends for listening.

“I can’t stand your parents,” Cora says, her teeth grinding together. “Why do they always prioritize their own wants and needs before yours?”

“They’re not bad people.” I sink deeper in my blankets. “They just grew up differently, so they have different expectations for me. I don’t like letting them down.”

“I know. I get it. We’re second-generation Americans, and they want us to succeed in the ways that they couldn’t,” Nandini says. “I get it, Karina. I really do. My parents are the same. But that doesn’t mean I have to live my life for them. You can respect your parents’ wishes without becoming a puppet.”

“They’re projecting onto you, and it isn’t fair,” Cora adds. “They’ve restricted every part of your life. They don’t give you any freedom. It’s not right. Ace is just one of a million things they won’t let you have. What about wanting to be an English major? You should be allowed to study what you want. It’s your life. Not theirs!”

“This isn’t a fairy tale,” I say. I wish it was. I wish with all my heart this was a fairy tale with a guaranteed happy ending. “I can’t miraculously claim back my freedom and then ride off into the sunset with the prince charming of my choice. You know it’s not that easy.”

“You’ve never even tried!” Cora says, throwing her hands up, her shopping bags rustling on her arms. “Karina, you can’t let them make all your choices for you.”

“Cora, calm down,” Nandini says, shaking her head. “Yelling at Karina isn’t going to help.” She looks back at me. “I know it’s hard, babe. You love your parents. But sometimes, it’s okay to put yourself first.”