After landing in Paris, I finally turned my phone back on.
The screen exploded with notifications. Missed calls and dozens of text messages, all from Gavin.
Gavin: Didn't I ask you to wait for me? Why did you leave without saying goodbye?
Gavin: Did you make it to Paris?
Gavin: Why is your phone off? Call me when you see this.
I ignored every single message. Then I walked out of the airport and into my new life.
The first thing I did was complete my enrollment at the Paris Academy of Fine Arts.
Several students from my program greeted me enthusiastically.
"We've heard of you before. We've seen your work. You're incredibly talented."
One of them asked curiously, "But why did you come so late? We heard the school had offered you admission two years ago."
For a moment, I thought abo
