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You're 27. After years of hard work, you get a doctoral scholarship from the University of Montreal, in your preferred discipline — development economy. It's the opportunity of your life. A full four-year scholarship with an international employment perspective on return.
But the day before you left, your mother is hospitalized. Diagnosis: breast cancer, stage 2. She needs regular care, presence, accompaniment. Your father died three years ago. Your sisters are married far away. You're the eldest. You're the only present.
Your mother doesn't say anything. She smiles at you and tells you to go. But you read in her eyes a fear she doesn't want to name.
Starting is building the future you dreamed of. It may also be abandoning the one who gave you everything, at a time when she has everything to lose.
Staying is honoring him. It may also be burying a chance that won't come back.
What are you doing?
- Leave : seize your scholarship, send money, find a remote solution.
- Stay To postpone the doctorate, to accompany your mother, and to take care of what it costs.
