The envelope sat between you on the kitchen table, unopened but heavy with everything it meant. Alexa had been staring at it for ten minutes straight, her fingers drumming nervously on the edge.

“You open it,” she said finally, sliding it toward you. “My hands are literally shaking.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You sure? What if it’s bad news?”

“Then we’ll laugh about it,” she said, forcing a grin. “And if it’s good news, you’ll get to say ‘I told you so.’ So either way, you win.”

You smiled faintly and tore the seal. The words jumped out immediately—“Congratulations, we are pleased to inform you…”

Alexa’s eyes went wide. “Oh my god.” She covered her mouth, tears already forming. “I got in. I actually got in!”

She jumped up and wrapped her arms around you, laughing and crying all at once. You hugged her back, but your smile wavered when she whispered, “California. I’m going to California.”

That’s when the weight of the moment hit you.

You pulled back slowly. “That’s… amazing,” you said, trying to sound genuine. “Really. I’m so proud of you.”

Alexa didn’t miss the hesitation in your voice. “Hey,” she said softly, touching your arm. “What’s wrong?”

You forced a laugh. “Nothing. Just—California’s far. That’s all.”

She looked at you for a long moment, her smile fading. “It’s not forever.”