Concrete Roses

That night, Maya sat at her laptop, staring at an empty email draft.

Her mind flashed back to every moment that had led her here—walking out of The Pulse, working late nights with Zora, launching Concrete Roses against all odds.

Langley had never believed in her before. He only cared now because she had proven she didn't need him.

And she wasn't about to change that.

Maya typed her response.

Maya:

Langley,

I appreciate the offer, but I didn't start Concrete Roses to give it away. I started it because voices like mine deserve to exist without permission.

So, respectfully, I'll have to pass.

She hit send before she could second-guess herself.

No regrets.