(✓) 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞 • [𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒚]

seven.

I'm sitting in the counselor's office, waiting to discuss my college applications. It's so weird how official this is all getting. In seven months, high school will be over.

The school counselor, Mrs. McCarthy, is relatively young and has an exuberant smile on her face at all times. It's honestly a little creepy, but at least she seems to care about her students.

Mrs. McCarthy scrolls through her computer, clicking through her files. "Ah, here we go. Aspen Castillo. It looks like you're doing pretty amazing here. Straight A's, no detention, almost perfect attendance."

I lightly flip my hair to congratulate myself.

"So where are you thinking of applying?" Mrs. McCarthy asks me sweetly, her bubbly eyes lit up.

"LAU is my top choice. It's close to home and my best friend goes there," I reply.

"Wow, that's exciting! LAU is a really good school. If I'm being, honest, I think you could aim even higher,"

"Higher than my dream school?" I ask, confused.

"There are lots of great schools out there. You wouldn't want to miss out on an awesome opportunity just to hang out with your friends, would you?" she asks.

"I guess not..." I reply reluctantly.

"LAU is really good, but I think you're such an amazing student, Aspen. You would really excel at a great school. Just think about it. Maybe apply to some other schools, and make a decision later." Her smile is still plastered across her face.

"Thanks. I'll, uh, think about it." I smile politely.

"Whatever you choose do, you seem to be capable of it all. My door is always open if you ever want to talk. I can't wait to see the great places that you're going, Aspen."

I get up and thank her before walking out of the office.

I'm not sure what to make of what Mrs. McCarthy just told me. For years, Harlow and I have dreamed of going to college together and having the time of our lives in LA.

I take a breath. There's plenty of time to think this over. For now, it's time to focus on Homecoming.

•••

Daniel's head rests gently on my lap. We sway lightly in my backyard hammock. My hands flow through his fluffy, light brown hair.

I'm telling him about my meeting with Mrs. McCarthy.

"She told me that I could do better than LAU. What does that even mean? It's not like I want to go to Harvard or something."

"Take it as a compliment. You're a smartie pants," Daniel tells me sweetly. He taps a soft finger on my forehead.

"It's just so confusing. I've never considered anywhere but LAU, and now she's telling me I might be making the wrong decision," I sigh.

"This lady, Mrs. McCarthy, she doesn't know who you are. The real Aspen. College is about more than just your grades and where you're smart enough to get into. What do you want to do with your life?"

I pause. No one's really asked me that before. I try to start speaking, but the only thing that comes out is an unintelligible stutter.

I take a deep breath. I'm suddenly spiraling into my second existential crisis of the day.

"I don't know. I've never really thought about it."

Daniel turns onto his side to face me.

"What makes you happy?" Daniel asks. The question is so simple yet so deep.