**Flashback**
"Maria, let's even ask you," her father said with a gentle smile, glancing at her through the rearview mirror as he kept his eyes on the road. His voice was calm, but the curiosity behind his question was obvious.
"Why do you wish to become a medical doctor?"
Maria leaned forward slightly, surprised but pleased by the question. She hadn't expected it, not in the middle of their cheerful drive, but she welcomed the opportunity to share something meaningful.
"Hmmm… That's a very nice question, darling," her mother chimed in, laughing softly and turning her head to face Maria in the back seat. "You know I've been meaning to ask her that same thing too! It keeps slipping my mind, but I'm glad you asked now."
Maria smiled as she looked from her father to her mother, both wearing such warm and encouraging expressions. With a small breath, she began.
