I've! Been busy. [ her laugh is a little embarrassed, a little defensive, but still genuine ] I've already sent in two for early decision, but I have three more to round out my top five. NYU is a reach school, but- You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, right?

[ it's a tiny bit depressing, losing her internship at the newspaper when she's planning on majoring in journalism, but. the place was suddenly shut down! so. colleges don't have to know she was fire right before then. right? she thinks she's earned the right to include it.

anyway, it's kind of nice, walking around this time of the evening. the sun's dropping low, bringing the temperature down to something a little more tolerable. the fireflies are out in full force, glowing soft yellow and green on well-cut lawns, lining the streets. it's almost- normal. except she's taking a walk with steve, and not jonathan, and the only reason why that's actually very weird is because that longing in her chest that's been around since jonathan moved away seems to have ebbed, just a bit. enough that she's noticed.

she's glad steve's here with her, not disappointed that he isn't jonathan. and isn't that something? ]

I meant what I said, you know. In that text. And I know- I know you don't want to hear it, but I wanted to tell you again. In person.