32

LUNA

I SAT AT MY DESK; the glow of my laptop screen illuminated my face in the dimly lit room. The world outside enveloped me in darkness and silence, while my mind brimmed with thoughts and possibilities. I scrolled through the endless lists of colleges, my eyes scanning each name and description with anxiety and excitement.

My fingers hesitated over the keyboard as I typed the best colleges for photography into the search bar. The results populated the screen, offering me a world of opportunities. I clicked on the first link and read about programs promising to nurture my creativity. Every description depicted a future I had only dreamed of.

I clicked through several schools, downloading applications as I went. The thought of leaving my original plans behind was daunting, but pursuing something I'd once loved filled me with purpose. A feeling I had forgotten.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling as I debated whether I was making the right move. The stress weighed on me, but beneath it all was a bubbling excitement. I shifted forward, my decision solidified in my mind. Taking a deep breath, I started filling out the applications. With each keystroke, a smile played on my lips. It was exhilarating, and I was ready to embrace my fresh path.

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I made my way to Hudson's house, my steps purposeful as I crossed the familiar path. I hadn't seen him since our last conversation, and I needed to clear the air. Reaching the garage, I saw his dad working under the hood of a car.

"Hey, Mr. Wilder."

He straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag, and smiled at me.

"Hey, kiddo. How are you doing?"

I returned his smile, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me. Mr. Wilder had that effect on people.

"I'm good, thanks. How are you?"

"I'm great."

I nodded my head and bit my lip.

"Is Hudson home?"

"He should be back any minute now." He said. "You're more than welcome to wait."

"Thanks." I said, leaning against the workbench.

While waiting, he focused on the car but continued talking.

"How's school?"

"It's okay," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "I've been thinking a lot about college, and I'm conflicted about what to do."

He set down his tools and gave me a thoughtful look.

"You've always been good at figuring things out," he said. "Ever since you were a kid. You'll find your way."

I smiled, appreciating his words more than I thought I would.

"Thanks, Mr. Wilder. That means a lot."

The sound of a truck pulling up caught our attention. Hudson stepped out, his appearance disheveled, as if he'd been doing hard labor. He looked up and his eyes widened in surprise upon seeing me.

"Hey." He greeted me, his voice a mix of curiosity and surprise.

"Hey." I said, my eyes sweeping over his tattered clothes and sweat-streaked face. "What have you been up to?"

His eyes flickered to his dad before returning to me.

"Just been working on something. Let's get inside."

I bid goodbye to Mr. Wilder and followed Hudson into the house. He headed straight for the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water and drinking it in one large gulp. I stood across from him, feeling the weight of the earlier tension between us.

"About the college thing," I said, my voice sincere. "I didn't mean to upset you."

He set the glass down and gave me a reassuring look.

"No need to apologize. I'm over it."

An awkward silence settled between us as I took in his rugged appearance. He'd left his flannel shirt unbuttoned with only a thin, sleeveless top underneath. A blush crept up my cheeks as I realized I was staring. He smirked, catching me in the act.

"Like what you see?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my embarrassment.

"Our birthdays are coming up. What do you want to do?" I asked, attempting to change the conversation.

"I plan on sleeping."

"No, you're not," I said, with a determined glint in my eye. "I'm hosting a joint party for us."

He sighed but couldn't hide the hint of amusement in his eyes.It had been years since we had a joint party.

"Fine. I'll be there."

"Perfect!" I said, my face lighting up with excitement. "I'm going to plan."

He shook his head with a small smile.

"Looking forward to it, Snow."

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