"Did you like the concert?" Michael-Vincent brought ice cream to the park bench where Christine was sitting.
"Yes! I loved hearing those different groups and genres. It was nice that it was a benefit for local food pantries, and it was fun doing something different."
They walked through all the artist displays set up for the evening, stopping every now and then to inspect some artwork. "Do you think you'll set up art like this in Paris, Michael-Vincent?"
"I don't know." He shrugged, smiling. "I'm mostly going to work on my oil technique with a teacher my mom knows. I'm not sure I'll produce anything worth seeing."
"In six months, you'd better produce something!" Christine grinned. "I think you're just going to check out the girls."
"No…." His smile faded a bit. "Are you ready to go visit the convent? That doesn't sound like much fun."
"It's a spiritual journey. I'm trying to find my true vocation. It might not be fun, but it's necessary for me to do this."
"Aren't there convents in Paris?"
Christine sighed. It was hard to explain without hurting his feelings. "We rarely spend any time apart. I think we should see how it feels to do something individually."
He nodded. "You're tired of me."
"Of course not. But even when we date other people we go on double dates together. I just need a little time and space to think about my future."
"Christine….I love you. I want you to make a choice that'll make you happy, no matter what, but I'll miss you…" He brushed tears away.
"I'll miss you when you're in Paris. You'll be gone longer than me. And I love you, too."
"If we love each other, why are we leaving, Christine?"
She gave Michael-Vincent a hug. "So we can grow up."