The next two months were agonizing.
Waiting for application responses while trying to focus on classes, studying for finals, maintaining some semblance of normal college life while both internally spiraling about a future that felt increasingly uncertain.
Adrian got his first response in mid-March: accepted to a mid-tier program in-state.
His safety school. Not his dream. But solid, respectable, a guaranteed path forward.
"That's good news," Dante said when Adrian showed him the email, but his voice sounded uncertain, like he wasn't sure if he was supposed to be happy or concerned.
"It's safe news. Not exciting news."
"Better than rejection."
"True. At least I know I have somewhere to go."
Three days later, Dante got his first acceptance—a sports psychology program in-state, different city from Adrian's acceptance.
Two hours apart. Manageable distance but not together.
