Chapter 1
“I need to get in… I have to get in.”
Ari paced back and forth in her tiny bedroom, muttering to herself, fingers nervously tapping the strap of her backpack. Just as she was talking herself into a frenzy, her mom opened the door, stepping inside with a warm smile.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get in,” her mom said softly.
Ari whirled around, cheeks pink. “Oh, Mom… I’m so nervous. This is my dream!”
Her mom crossed the room in a few steps and hugged her. “It’s going to be fine. Things always have a way of working out.”
Ari nodded, heart pounding. Her mom glanced at the clock. “Aren’t you supposed to work this morning? Morning shift, right?”
Ari’s eyes widened as she checked the time. “Oh my God… I’m going to be late!”
—
Ari Moore was twenty-two, the eldest of three siblings, and juggling her part-time job while chasing a dream that felt just out of reach. She had fought tooth and nail to study abroad, through disappointments and setbacks she hadn’t expected:
Her father’s investment collapsing, wiping out the funds she had quietly hoped could help her dream come true.
A job opportunity that had seemed like an opening, only to reveal itself as a scam.
Endless rejections and “not yet” emails from universities around the world.
Now, all that was left was hope — hope that Saint Clair University in Paris, France, would finally open its doors to her. Each passing day was a mixture of nerves and anticipation, a delicate balance between excitement and fear.
This was it. This was her chance — if only the school said yes.
---
Ari hurried through the streets, heart pounding, hoping she wasn’t too late. By the time she reached her workplace, she was a little behind schedule. She slipped inside, trying to avoid her boss’s eyes, changed quickly, and darted to her front desk.
“Oh, thank God… he didn’t see me,” she whispered under her breath.
Just then, a voice cut through her relief.
“You’re late.”
Ari froze, slowly turning around. Her boss, Mr. Lang, stood there with his usual stern expression. She lowered her gaze and mumbled, “I-I’m sorry, sir.”
“I’m letting this go… just this one time. No more lateness,” he said.
“Yes, sir… of course! Thank you!” she added quickly, her cheeks warm with embarrassment.
---
Once she settled into her shift, Ari tried to focus on her work, but her mind kept wandering. She kept replaying the thought over and over: today is the day the school I applied for sends messages to everyone… will I get in?
Her coworker, Sophie, noticed her distracted expression and leaned on the counter beside her. “Ari, is something wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Ari shook her head quickly. “No, everything’s fine. It’s just… today’s the day Saint Clair University sends out messages to applicants. I’m nervous because I don’t know if I’ll be accepted.”
Sophie smiled warmly. “Oh, I understand. But don’t worry — you’ll get in. You’re intelligent, smart, and hardworking. You’re exactly what they’re looking for in their students.”
Ari felt a small smile tug at her lips. “Thank you, Sophie. That means a lot.”
Sophie tilted her head, curious. “So… what time will it be sent?”
“Evening,” Ari replied. “My whole family will be around to see the message… whether I get in or not.”
Sophie’s eyes softened. “Oh, okay. I hope for the best for you, Ari. You deserve this.”
Ari nodded, a little lighter in heart, though the nervous flutter in her chest wouldn’t leave. Today was the day that could change everything — or not.
---
After her shift, Ari went straight home, her heart racing as the evening slowly crept in. She barely spoke during dinner prep, barely heard the television in the background. All she could think about was the time.
When the clock finally struck, she ran out of her room.
“Mom! Dad!” she called, her voice shaking.
Everyone gathered in the living room as Ari opened her laptop, hands trembling as she logged into her student portal. She clicked on Unread Messages—once, twice—then froze.
Congratulations.
For a second, she couldn’t breathe. Then—
“Yes! Yes, yes, yes!” Ari screamed. “I got in! I got in!”
Her parents jumped up at the same time, laughter and relief filling the room as her mom pulled her into a tight hug. Her dad smiled wider than she’d seen in a long time.
Ari didn’t stop there. She ran down the hallway to where her three siblings sat on the floor watching cartoons.
“I got in!” she said, wrapping her arms around them. “I really got in!”
“Does that mean you’re leaving us?” her little sister Lily asked quietly, looking up at her.
Ari paused. “Huh? No… of course not,” she said quickly. “I’ll come home during the holidays. I promise.”
Lily nodded slowly. “Okay… if you say so.”
“Dinner’s ready,” their mom called. “Let’s eat and celebrate.”
That night, laughter filled the house in a way it hadn’t for a long time.
Later, Ari lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, smiling as she imagined her new life—new streets, new classes, a new beginning. Then Lily’s words echoed in her mind.
Does that mean you’re leaving us?
Her smile softened, a quiet ache settling in her chest. Leaving her home, her siblings, everything familiar—it wouldn’t be easy. But this was a dream she had fought for, waited for, and almost lost hope in.
She took a deep breath.
Whatever awaited her out there, she was ready to face it.
