Why are you still sitting here? Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready?

Dad… I need to tell you something.

What is it?

I don’t think I want to go to college anymore.

What did you just say?

I said I don’t want to go.

Brooke, you’ve been talking about college for months. What changed overnight?

I’m serious, Dad. I don’t want to go.

So what exactly are you planning to do?

I don’t know yet.

You don’t know?

I want to figure things out myself.

You think you can just wake up one morning and decide you’re done with school?

I’m not saying I’m done with everything. I just don’t want to go to college.

Then what do you want?

I want to figure things out myself.

Okay.

Okay?

If you’re old enough to make grown-up decisions, then you’re old enough to accept grown-up responsibilities.

Dad, what are you doing?

Taking these.

Why?

Because I’m not going to keep paying for everything while you refuse to take your future seriously.

Give me my keys!

No.

Dad, that’s my car!

And this is my house. While you’re living here, you’re going to respect the responsibilities that come with it.

You can’t just take my stuff because you’re mad!

I’m not doing this because I’m mad. I’m doing this because you need to understand that choices have consequences.

Give me your phone too.

What? No!

Brooke.

No, Dad!

Phone.

This is ridiculous.

Maybe it feels ridiculous because you’re not thinking about where this decision could take you.

You don’t understand me.

Then help me understand you.

I’m tired of everyone telling me what I’m supposed to do with my life.

I’m not trying to control your whole life.

It feels like you are.

I’m your father. My job is to make sure you don’t throw away opportunities just because you’re frustrated right now.

Maybe college isn’t my opportunity.

Then tell me what is.

I don’t know.

What if I get a job instead?

Then get one.

Seriously?

Yes. If you’re choosing not to go to college, then you need another plan.

I can work.

Then work.

I’m not forcing you to choose one particular future. But if you choose not to continue your education, you can’t expect me to keep covering every expense without question.

You really mean that?

I mean it.

I thought you would support me no matter what.

I will always support you as your father. But supporting you doesn’t mean agreeing with every decision you make.

I just wanted you to listen.

Then talk to me. Don’t just shut everything down.

What if I’m scared?

Scared of what?

Failing. What if I go to college and I’m not good enough?

What if I waste years doing something I hate?

Now we’re finally talking about the real problem.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.

You don’t have to know everything today.

But running away from the decision isn’t going to make it easier.

So what do you want me to do?

I want you to think. Look at your options. Talk to people. Find out what you actually want.

If college is truly not the right path for you, then we can discuss other paths.

You’re still taking my phone?

For now.

Dad!

And the car keys stay with me until we figure this out.

That’s not fair.

Maybe not. But neither is expecting me to finance a lifestyle while you refuse to make a plan.

I hate when you make sense.

Good. Maybe you’re finally listening.

You don’t have to decide your entire future today. But tomorrow morning, you’re going to wake up, and we’re going to talk about your options like adults.

Okay.

Okay?

Okay.