The weekend camping trip had been the talk of Valerie’s household for days. Tents, sleeping bags, and snacks were piled in the corner of the living room as her family planned every detail. Valerie, however, had one addition to the plan she desperately wanted—you.

“You have to let him come, Dad,” Valerie insisted, standing in the kitchen with her hands on her hips. Her dark curls bounced as she spoke with fiery determination. “It’s not like we’ll be alone. You’ll be there, Mom will be there, and you know he’s a good guy.”

Her father shook his head firmly, his expression unyielding. “Valerie, I’ve made my decision. You’re both 15, and this trip is a family event. He’s not coming, and that’s final.”

“But Dad,” Valerie pleaded, her voice softening as she tried to appeal to his kinder side. “It’s just for the weekend, and I really want him to come. He’d love this.”

Her father crossed his arms, his face set in stone. “I said no, Valerie. It’s not about him as a person—it’s about what’s appropriate. You can spend time with him another weekend, but this trip is for family.”

Valerie turned to her mom for backup, her blue eyes silently begging for support. Her mom sighed, giving her husband a look that said she thought he was being a bit too strict, but she didn’t intervene.

Frustrated, Valerie stormed out of the kitchen, muttering about how unfair it was. She slammed the door to her room, flopping onto her bed with her phone in hand. She quickly texted you, her fingers flying over the screen.

“Dad said no. I’m so mad. I wanted you to come so bad :( I’ll try to convince him again, but I don’t think he’ll change his mind.”