DEMARCATION

One

AVA

Despite my initial apprehension regarding the call, I found solace in the tranquility of the moment. It has been two years since I made the decision to resign from my job in pursuit of my dream, and now, facing this pivotal moment, I am acutely aware that this is my final opportunity. I've invested two years of relentless effort into this endeavor; it cannot be for nothing. There's an urgency for success, a need for this to materialize. Whatever the outcome, it must be embraced. The deadline they gave me for the call was 8:00 p.m., emphasizing the significance of this moment; a restless night hangs in the balance. Out of nowhere, an email from Kyle interrupted my thoughts. Checking the time - 7:55, I couldn't shake the hope that this might bring some positive news.

The email read:

'Ms. Ava,

We regret to inform you that you didn't meet our expectations. We understand the dedication and hard work you've invested inthis. Considering the success of your previous book, we believed it was appropriate to personally deliver this news. Unfortunately, our preference leans towards present genre rather than romances centered primarily around the two main characters.

We decided to give one more chance as Mr. George liked your ideas. One week and an advance will be provided if you are willing to produce something of their preference. You have one day to decide and email us. Otherwise we will have to terminate our contract.'

The message dashed my hopes; crime thrillers aren't my strong suit, so I can't accept their offer either.

Out of the blue, my phone rang, disrupting my thoughts. It was Joe, the sole supporter of my decision to pursue my passion.

"Joe, it's been a week since you called. What have you been up to?"

"I was tied up with some cases. By the way, how did the book turn out? Didn't they mention they would inform you by today? Is it good news or bad news?"

"I've received the email. I think it's positive since they're willing to give me another chance."

I hoped he wouldn't detect the disappointment in my voice.

"Wait, another chance? Does that mean they rejected your idea?"

I fell silent, and I think he sensed my disappointment.

"So what exactly do they mean by 'another chance'?"

I explained the email to him, and there was silence for a while. He guessed that I wouldn't take the offer, but to clarify, he asked whether I'm going to accept it or not.

"Definitely not," I assert, "my ideas won't align with their preferences."

"Ava... It's entirely your decision. But you've never tried your hand at crime fiction. How can you be certain you don't have the talent for it?"

"I tried to do it their way, but... Every time I attempt it, it just ends up being a romance fiction."

"Okay, forget about it. A friend of mine brought up this new retreat center called 'Serenity.' What you really need is an ideal setting, and 'Serenity' guarantees just that—a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living. I've already enrolled for it. If you're keen, you can register online. It might be invigorating to explore a new environment. But remember, registrations shut down by tomorrow, so you'll have to make a quick decision."

He hung up, leaving me to ponder his words. That evening, I stayed awake, weighing every option until I finally drifted off to sleep around midnight. When I woke up in the morning, I made up my mind to email Kyle. I emailed my decision to accept the offer and requested an extension for the final date since the allocated time overlaps with the two-week course at Serenity.

I've joined the course, but I've opted to keep it a secret from Joe so I can surprise him when we meet there. I'm unsure why I chose to take the risk, but now that I've made the commitment, there's no turning back. Serenity, I'm relying on you to fill the void in my life.