Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 36 – The Next Step

Evelyn awoke the next morning with the warmth of sunlight filtering through her bedroom curtains.

The adrenaline from the exhibition still hummed in her veins, but reality was settling in—this wasn't the end. It was just the beginning.

Mia was sprawled across the couch in the living room, her face buried in a pillow. Adrian was in the kitchen, already nursing a cup of coffee.

The familiarity of it all brought a sense of peace.

"So, Ev,"

Adrian said, stirring his drink.

"Now that your art has made its grand debut, what's next?"

Evelyn settled into a chair, pulling a blanket around her shoulders.

"Honestly? I'm still figuring that out."

Mia groaned from the couch.

"Ugh, existential crises before breakfast?"

Adrian smirked.

"It's tradition at this point."

---

**An Unexpected Offer**

Just as Evelyn was about to respond, her phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the name on the screen.

Professor Reynolds.

Taking a deep breath, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Evelyn! I hope I'm not catching you too early."

"Not at all,"

she said, exchanging a glance with Adrian and Mia, who was now wide awake and watching her intently.

"I wanted to talk to you about an opportunity,"

Professor Reynolds continued.

"I was impressed with your work last night—so was one of my colleagues. They're offering you a residency program in New York for emerging artists."

Evelyn's mind went blank.

"Wait... what?"

"It's a three-month program. Full funding, your own studio space, and the chance to work with some of the best in the field.

They believe in your potential, Evelyn. And so do I."

Evelyn's hands trembled slightly as she processed the words. This was it. The opportunity she had never dared to dream of.

"I—thank you. I don't know what to say."

"Think it over,"

Professor Reynolds said warmly.

"But don't think too long. They'll want an answer soon."

As soon as the call ended, Mia practically tackled Evelyn.

"Are you kidding me? This is huge!"

Adrian grinned.

"You're going to take it, right?"

Evelyn hesitated.

"I don't know... It's a big change. New York? That's—"

"A dream come true,"

Mia finished.

"You've worked too hard to let fear hold you back now."

Evelyn swallowed. They were right. She had spent so long running from her past, but this—this was her future. And it was waiting for her.

---

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**A Farewell... For Now**

The weeks that followed were a blur of preparation. Evelyn wrapped up her commitments, packed her bags, and spent as much time as possible with Adrian and Mia.

Leaving wasn't easy, but for the first time, she wasn't afraid of change.

The night before her flight, the three of them sat on the rooftop of their apartment building, watching the city lights flicker below.

"You're going to be amazing,"

Mia said softly.

Adrian clinked his bottle against hers.

"And if New York doesn't treat you right, we'll come and kidnap you back."

Evelyn laughed, but there were tears in her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you both so much."

"You better. Otherwise, we'll haunt you,"

Mia teased.

Evelyn exhaled, letting the moment settle in her heart.

She was nervous.

But she was also ready.

Tomorrow, she will board that plane.

And from there... anything was possible.