A Shy Little Butterfly

Frankfurt, Germany - two weeks ago:

"Hasst du mich? Ich weiß nicht warum du so hartnäckig bist!"

"English Anna," he replied with a stern look on his face. "I understand you, I really do but I have thought over this for some time now. Please understand, it is for your own good."

"My own good? Throwing me into a country I've never been to before and forcing me to speak in a tongue that I can't speak properly in, is that all for my own good? Is that all for my own good papa?"

"Yes, it is. You have spent too much of your time alone. You have grown up and you need to be out there experiencing the world for yourself. How long do you think you can stay cocooned inside your room? I really want you to try your best Anna, and for that one reason, please, I request you, please agree to this."

"I try! I try my level best, but I still don't see why it's of any use for me to go to Amerika!"

"For the past two years, your 'best' didn't do any good for you. I've had a long conversation with your therapist about this and even she agreed that this might help you. Living in a new environment would encourage you to be more open and outgoing. Don't act like you don't understand the situation. Both of us know how important it is for you to let go of your social anxiety. "

"But-"

"No buts! You are going there, it does not matter you like it or not. I've talked with the chairman and... do you best."

"I will." Anna replied passively.

"Thanks, I appreciate it. Look at this as a new chapter in your life. Say, uh... why don't you go to Zurich for the next two weeks and spend time with Monika? I'm sure she would be happy to see you once again."

"Ja, that will help."

As she left the room, Owen looked at her with a wry smile. His dear daughter has grown up and he hoped she would succeed in this journey of hers. He knew he was a bit harsh sending her to USA, the country he was born in, but he also knew that it was important. If her mother was here with him, perhaps she could've convinced Anna much better than he did.

Oh, if only Sofia was here with him right now...