The Dare That Set Me Free

After high school graduation, my four childhood best friends dragged me into a game of Truth or Dare.

When it was my turn, the long-lost "real daughter" of the wealthy family they all doted on dared everyone to reveal their top college choice.

One by one, they showed their screens: Texas A&M.

Carter slid his college application portal to me, tapping my perfect 4.0 GPA and 1580 SAT score with a smirk.

"I dare you to give up Stanford and come with us. Whoever backs out is a dog."

That night, right in front of them, I signed the binding early decision agreement.