She didn't want her father to die. She would mourn him. She owed him . . . not everything, exactly, because there were lots of things she'd had to obtain for herself, but enough. If, however, the choice was between a brief good-bye and a new life, then it was no choice at all.
The protagonist grapples with her emotions regarding her father's impending death. She acknowledges her sense of indebtedness to him for the support he provided, though she also recognizes her independence and the personal achievements she has accomplished. This complex relationship creates a deep internal conflict as she reflects on her obligations and feelings of loss.
Ultimately, she faces a difficult decision. The prospect of saying goodbye is overshadowed by her desire for a fresh start. This choice highlights the tension between honoring her father's memory and embracing her own future, revealing her struggles with love, loss, and personal growth.