Crossing Paths

Chapter 3: Parting Wishes

**Kate's POV**

The last day of camp felt surreal. The week had flown by, filled with moments that I knew would stay with me long after I left. But it was Alex who had made this experience truly special. We had grown close, sharing more than just our love for basketball. Now, with the camp over and my departure looming, the weight of saying goodbye was starting to settle in.

After the final session, we lingered in the gym, not wanting the day to end. As the sun set, casting a warm glow through the windows, Alex turned to me with a hesitant smile. "How about dinner at my place? I can cook, and we can have a proper goodbye."

I smiled, touched by her offer. "I'd love that."

---

**Alex's POV**

We walked back to my dorm, the air warm and comforting. The week had been incredible, and I wanted to make our last evening together special. Cooking dinner felt like the perfect way to cap off our time at camp. As I prepared a simple pasta dish, Kate set the table, filling the room with her presence. It was nice, just being together.

After dinner, I noticed Kate's eyes drifting towards my guitar, propped up against the wall. She raised an eyebrow, a curious smile on her lips. "Do you play?"

I nodded, feeling a bit shy. "Yeah, sometimes. It helps me relax, clears my mind. I usually play on the roof—it's kind of my spot."

Kate's eyes lit up. "The roof? That sounds amazing. Can we go?"

I hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Sure, why not?"

We grabbed the guitar and made our way to the roof, the night air cool and refreshing. The view was breathtaking, the city lights stretching out before us. I settled on a small ledge, tuning the guitar as Kate sat beside me, watching with interest.

As I started playing, the soft strumming filled the quiet night. It was a simple melody, something soothing and familiar. Kate listened intently, her eyes reflecting the city lights. After a few minutes, I stopped, letting the last notes fade away.

"That was beautiful," Kate said softly, her voice full of admiration. "You're really talented."

I blushed, looking away. "Thanks. It's just something I do for fun."

There was a comfortable silence between us, the kind that only comes when you're truly at ease with someone. Kate suddenly reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. "Mind if we take a selfie? I want to remember this."

I grinned, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Sure."

We leaned in close, with me holding the guitar. Kate snapped the picture, and we both looked at it, smiling at the image of us together, captured in this fleeting moment.

Then, feeling the moment was right, I asked the question that had been on my mind all day. "Kate, if you could do anything in the world, without worrying about practicality, what would it be?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment, then sighed softly. "I want to play in the WNBA. It's been my dream since I was a kid. I know it's a long shot, but I want to give it everything I've got."

Her honesty touched me. It was clear how much the game meant to her, and her determination was inspiring. "I believe you can do it," I said sincerely. "You've got the skills and the passion. Just keep pushing."

Kate smiled, a mix of gratitude and determination in her eyes. "Thanks, Alex. That means a lot."

She looked at me, curiosity sparking in her gaze. "What about you? If you could do anything, what would it be?"

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "I'd want to be a singer. I've always loved music, writing songs, and playing guitar. But I've never really pursued it seriously. It's just been something I do when I'm alone."

Kate's eyes widened, then softened. "A singer? That's amazing. You should go for it. You have a gift, Alex."

Her words filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt before. It was like she saw something in me that I hadn't fully acknowledged myself. We sat there, the city stretching out beneath us, talking about our dreams and fears, the future and the present.

As the night grew late, we both knew it was time to say goodbye. But it didn't feel like an ending. It felt like a beginning, a promise of more to come. We hugged, holding onto each other tightly, not wanting to let go.

"This isn't goodbye," Kate whispered, her voice steady. "Just see you later."

I nodded, a tear slipping down my cheek. "Yeah, see you later."

As we parted ways, I felt a strange mix of sadness and hope. The week had been unforgettable, and I knew that whatever the future held, this connection we had was something special. Something worth holding onto.