The letter came in a thick cream envelope with golden embossing: The New York Editorial Internship Program.
Athena stared at it in stunned silence, her fingers trembling as she opened it on the couch.
"Congratulations," the letter read, "You have been selected…"
She didn't read the rest. Her heart was already pounding in her ears.
Across the room, Mason's phone buzzed. Again. He'd been getting more calls since the scout from the Los Angeles Storms met him after practice. But this time, it wasn't just another check-in—it was an offer.
A real one.
He stepped out from the bedroom, holding his phone like it had caught fire. "Athena."
She looked up.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world stood still.
"You go first," she said softly.
He held up the phone. "They offered me a spot on the practice team for next season. It's not guaranteed, but… it's real."
Her lips parted in awe. "Mason, that's amazing."
He blinked. "Wait—what's that in your hand?"
She turned the envelope toward him. "New York. Editorial internship. It starts in January."
Silence fell between them.
Two dreams.
Two cities.
Three thousand miles apart.
Athena set the envelope down. "We said we'd grow. Together."
Mason sat beside her, rubbing his hands over his face. "I don't want to hold you back."
"You're not," she whispered. "But if we both go… we won't be together."
He swallowed hard. "Do you want to try long distance?"
"I don't know," she said honestly. "I want us. But I also want this future. And you want yours."
He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. "So we don't give up. We find a way."
She nodded slowly. "But we have to be realistic. This won't be easy."
"Nothing worth it ever is," Mason said. "I'll fly out whenever I can. We FaceTime every night. And when the season ends—maybe I can be in New York too."
Athena gave a soft smile, tears brimming in her eyes. "We make a plan?"
"We make a plan," he echoed.
And so, they did.
Because love wasn't just about staying. Sometimes, it was about believing—even when miles and dreams pulled you apart.