Silent Notes

Chapter Twenty One: Traces of you

Nastasia turned the delicate pendant around in her fingers, feeling the cool, smooth metal press against her skin. It was the necklace Asher's mother had given her—a gesture that still felt surreal, even after all this time. Every time she wore it, the thoughtfulness behind the gift struck her. The pendant had become a quiet reminder that she was supported, even when she felt lost in her own uncertainties.

Today, she was attending a seminar in the university's main hall, surrounded by a diverse crowd of students, each intent on their own futures. She hadn't expected much from the event, assuming it would be a routine talk on academic programs, but there was a different energy in the room—a hint of possibility that stirred something within her. She felt it in the way people whispered and exchanged glances, as though they, too, sensed that something exciting was about to unfold.

As the seminar drew to a close, a senior professor took the stage with a warm smile and an unexpected announcement. "Today, we are thrilled to unveil a new scholarship opportunity for students," she said, her voice carrying across the hall. "This scholarship will grant the selected candidate the chance to study abroad or engage in a specialized research project in their chosen field."

Nastasia's heart quickened. The words filled her with an instant thrill—a door had just been opened, one that led to places she had only imagined. She could picture herself in a foreign university, immersed in new cultures, or working on an impactful project that could change her life's course. This scholarship could be my chance, she thought, already envisioning where it might take her and what she might achieve. It was more than just a scholarship; it was a chance to prove that she was capable, that she had something unique to offer.

But as the room began to empty, her excitement slowly began to fade. She overheard a group of students near her discussing the scholarship, their voices tinged with scepticism. "Honestly, it's probably only for the top students," one of them muttered. "They'll pick someone from the honors program or one of the department stars. For the rest of us... well, it's out of reach if we're being realistic."

Their words hit her insecurities like a wave, and she felt her heart sink. Am I good enough for something like this? The familiar chorus of self-doubt swelled in her mind, each thought louder than the last. Had she been foolish to believe she stood a chance? She suddenly felt small and vulnerable, as though she were already failing, already defeated by an opportunity that had barely even begun.

Nastasia walked out of the seminar hall with her mind racing. As she wandered across campus, her thoughts churned, battling between hope and fear. Part of her longed to apply, to prove to herself that she was more than her fears. She wanted this scholarship not only for the recognition but to show herself that she could succeed, that she had the strength to follow her dreams. Yet, the fear of failing loomed large. The idea of putting herself out there, only to be told she wasn't good enough, was almost too much to bear.

Just as she tried to settle her thoughts, her phone buzzed. She welcomed the distraction, hoping it was a friend's message or a funny meme to pull her out of her self-doubt. But as she glanced at the screen, she felt a chill run through her. It was a text from an unknown number, and it read simply: "I know what you're hiding."

She froze, her heart pounding as she stared at the message. Who could this be? And what could they possibly know? The cryptic message left her feeling exposed, as though someone had been watching her from a distance, silently gathering pieces of her secrets. She quickly looked around, almost expecting to see someone staring back, but the campus was bustling with its usual energy, no one paying her any mind.

For the first time in a long while, she felt an unease she couldn't shake. Between her doubts about the scholarship and the mysterious text, it was as though the ground beneath her was shifting, leaving her uncertain of what lay ahead.