Page 51 of Tank

"Love you too, little one. Always." His arms tighten around me. "Now let's get you signed up for some of those classes, huh? Those fancy colleges won't know what hit 'em when Sophie Lange rolls into town."

I can't help but laugh, buoyed by his infectious confidence and support. Maybe I really can become "Dr. Lange" someday.

One click at a time, we start filling out applications together, Tank's reassuring presence never leaving my side. For the first time, the future feels wide open with possibility instead of dread.

I can do this. We can do this. Together.

A sudden knock at the front door startles me from my focused reverie. Tank's hand instinctively goes to the gun at his hip as he moves to answer it, ever vigilant.

"Who is it?" he barks out.

"It's Carlie and Jenny!" comes the cheerful reply. "We come bearing gifts for the soon-to-be Dr. Sophie!"

Tank's posture relaxes as he opens the door to reveal my two best friends, their arms overflowing with shopping bags and bright smiles on their faces.

"Soph! We couldn't be more proud of you, honey," Carlie gushes as she drops the bags to envelope me in a warm hug. The scent of her sweet perfume mixes with the faint aroma of baked goods wafting from one of the parcels.

"Hell yeah, girl! You're gonna crush this doctor thing," Jenny chimes in, setting down her own load to join our embrace.

Sandwiched between these two incredible women, I feel a rush of gratitude so strong it nearly overwhelms me. Tears prickle at the corners of my eyes again, but this time they're born from joy rather than fear.

"You guys... I can't even begin to thank you enough," I manage to choke out.

"Oh hush, that's what sisters are for!" Carlie dismisses my appreciation with a playful swat. "Now, let's go turn that spare room into the most badass study den this town has ever seen!"

Giddy laughter fills the air as we gather up the bags and make our way down the hall. Tank trails behind, an amused grin tugging at his mouth.

The spare room is barren save for some dusty boxes stacked in the corner. Late afternoon sunlight filters through the lone window, illuminating swirling motes in the air.

"Alrighty, ladies, let's get to work!" Jenny declares, tugging off her leather jacket and rolling up the sleeves of her fitted black henley.

Over the next few hours, the space transforms before my eyes. A sturdy oak desk is assembled, drawers already stocked with fresh notepads and pens. Sleek bookshelves line one wall,their shelves soon overflowing with medical textbooks and my old favorite novels alike.

Tank grunts with exertion as he hoists a plush armchair through the doorway, creating the perfect reading nook by the window. Carlie flits about, arranging framed photos of our misfit family and hanging fairy lights that bathe everything in a cozy glow.

By the time we collapse on the floor together, sweat-slick and paint-spattered, my cheeks ache from smiling so hard for so long. The room feels steeped in love and support, every inch infused with the care of my amazing tribe.

"I just... I can't believe you did all this for me," I breathe out in awe, gazing around at the incredible space they've created.

"Sophie, you've fought like hell to get here," Jenny says solemnly, her hand coming to rest over mine. "You deserve the world for how far you've come, and damn it, we're gonna give it to you."

Carlie nods fervently in agreement. "This is just the beginning, honey. You're going to do such amazing things, and we'll be here cheering you on every step of the way."

Tank hooks an arm around my shoulders and presses a kiss to my temple. "Damn straight, little one. We're in your corner, always."

Surrounded by their fierce devotion and endless faith in me, I feel my spine straighten with resolve. The ghosts of my past will never stop haunting me completely... but with my family at my back, I know I'm finally strong enough to face the future head on.

Dr. Sophie Lange. It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

I can't wait to see what she'll become, scars and all.

The gentle creak of the porch swing is the only sound as Tank and I sit together, the warm night air caressing our skin.After the whirlwind of setting up my new study space, this quiet moment feels like a much-needed oasis.

I lean into Tank's solid frame, breathing in the comforting scent of leather and motor oil that always clings to him. His arm tightens around me, and I feel the press of his lips against my hair.

"You doing okay, little one?" he murmurs, his deep voice rumbling through me.

I nod against his chest, trying to find the words. "I just... I can't believe this is real sometimes, you know? That I'm here, with you, and I'm safe. That I have a future to look forward to."

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