Chapter 60

The days felt like they were slipping by faster than Abigail could keep track. Her heart raced every time she thought about it—graduation was just a few weeks away. The thought of finally walking across the stage, receiving her diploma, and turning the page to a new chapter of her life made her feel like she was on the verge of something huge. Something life-changing.

Abigail had been dreaming about this moment for as long as she could remember. Columbia University had been the goal, the destination she had set her sights on, and now, after years of hard work, it was all within reach. The music program was hers, the city of New York awaited, and the world seemed to open up like a canvas for her to paint on.

She sat at her desk, papers and notes scattered around her, but she couldn’t focus. The excitement bubbled up in her chest like a wellspring of energy that refused to be contained. Graduation. Columbia. New York. It was all happening. She had always imagined this moment, but now that it was so close, it felt surreal.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Emma.

Emma: Can you believe it’s only a few weeks left?

Abigail grinned at the screen, typing back quickly. Of course I can believe it! I’ve been waiting for this day my whole life! She hit send, feeling a rush of excitement as the message went through.

She loved Emma. They had always been a team, their friendship was the foundation of everything. And now, with graduation on the horizon, Abigail couldn’t help but imagine how they were going to navigate this next chapter together. New York, the city that never sleeps, would be their playground. The idea of moving there with Emma had always felt like a dream. She couldn’t wait to explore the city, dive into the music scene, and finally start the next phase of her life.

The thought of leaving their small town behind was a bittersweet one. They had grown up there, surrounded by familiar faces, routines, and comfort. But Abigail was ready. Ready for something new. Ready for the unknown. Ready to take the leap.

Her phone buzzed again. Emma: Are you all packed yet?

Abigail laughed out loud at the message. Packed? I’m still trying to figure out what I’m going to wear for graduation! she typed back, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

A few seconds later, Emma responded. You’re gonna look amazing, whatever you choose. You always do.

Abigail smiled. She loved how Emma always knew exactly what to say. It wasn’t just her looks—Emma made her feel like she could conquer the world, like she had the power to make every dream come true. Even when doubts crept in, Emma’s belief in her was enough to silence them.

Suddenly, Abigail’s door creaked open, and there stood Emma, looking like she was ready for anything—except, perhaps, studying.

Abigail couldn’t help herself. She jumped up from her desk and threw her arms around Emma. “Can you believe it? Graduation is right around the corner! We’re going to New York! Columbia! It’s happening, Emma! It’s really happening!”

Emma laughed softly, hugging Abigail back. “I know, I know. It feels like it’s been forever, and now it’s just around the corner.”

Abigail pulled away, bouncing on her toes. “I’m so excited! I can’t stop thinking about it. The music program, the city… It’s like a dream coming true! I’ve been working toward this forever, and now it’s almost here!”

Emma smiled, but there was something in her eyes—a flicker of uncertainty—that Abigail couldn’t quite place. She chose not to dwell on it for now. Today was about celebration, about looking forward, and nothing was going to spoil that.

“Have you started packing?” Emma asked, changing the subject.

Abigail grinned, her mind already racing ahead. “No, but I’ve been planning it in my head! I think I’m going to need at least three suitcases. I’ve got so much stuff to bring! New York is going to be a whole new world, and I need to be ready for it all!”

Emma chuckled. “That’s going to be one big move. I hope you’re not trying to bring your entire wardrobe with you.”

Abigail rolled her eyes playfully. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m going to leave behind the stuff I don’t wear, but I’m definitely bringing the essentials—the jackets, the scarves, the boots. And, of course, all my instruments. How else will I make it in the music scene if I don’t bring everything?”

Emma laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll help you pack when the time comes. But, seriously, Abs… I’m so proud of you.”

Abigail’s heart swelled at the words. “Thanks, Em. I really couldn’t have gotten here without you. You’ve been there through every late night, every test, every moment of doubt.”

Emma’s smile softened, and she nodded. “We’ve got a long road ahead, and I’m not going anywhere.”

The two of them stood there, the room filled with the comforting hum of shared dreams. Graduation was only weeks away, and soon everything would change. But for now, in this moment, all Abigail could feel was the excitement—the pure, unadulterated joy of what was to come.

New York. Columbia. The future was wide open, and she couldn’t wait to step into it.