Each day br she gives the countdown br till she turns 18 br and can move out br and be on her own br and finally have her own space br and her own room. br br I pretend br I’m excited with her br for her to find herself br through her independence. br I pretend to share her joy br as that day draws nearer br …now only 382 days! br br She’ll be happy. br She’s a strong young woman br head on straight br good grades br no drugs or alcohol br not boy crazy br a beautiful person br inside and out. br br She doesn’t know br it hurts me br when she counts those days off. br She has no idea br how I feel inside br when she squeals br with delight br at the thought br of moving away. br br I’ll keep pretending. br I know br I’ve done my job well br and she will be something. br She will be productive br and successful br and independent br and she will come back.