It was the morning of my first day at QuantumNet Solutions, and I woke up with a mix of excitement and nerves. The house was quiet, too quiet, with my mother away on a business trip. She was getting older now, but that didn’t stop her from working as hard as ever. Sometimes I wished she’d slow down, but I knew that wasn’t in her nature. The silence felt heavier without her sharp words filling the air, an odd kind of emptiness I wasn’t used to.
Even though our relationship was always tense, she somehow managed to be there when I needed someone the most. Especially during those nights when I felt the weight of my studies suffocating me, her presence was an unexpected comfort. She wouldn’t say much, just sit across from me in the dim light of the kitchen, her coffee cooling between her hands while I ranted about exams, deadlines, and professors who didn’t seem to care. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t warm. But in those moments, it was enough.
Now, as I faced this new chapter alone, I found myself wishing she were here—not to say anything profound, but just to fill the silence.
But then…
I heard the rumble of my brother’s car pulling into the driveway. Mike had insisted on driving me to my first day. Ever since he got married last year, he’d become even more protective—especially now that he and my sister-in-law, Amara, were expecting a baby.
I grabbed my bag, took a deep breath, and headed downstairs. Mike was waiting for me by the door, a broad grin on his face.
"Ready for the big day, little sis?" he asked, opening the passenger door for me.
"Ready as I’ll ever be," I replied, sliding into the car.
As we pulled out of the driveway, I thought about how much had changed. Mike was going to be a dad soon, and it still felt surreal. I glanced over at him, his face a mix of anticipation and pride. "How’s Amara doing?" I asked, trying to shift my thoughts away from my own nerves.
"She’s doing great. A bit tired, but that’s to be expected. We’ve got a check-up later this week. You should come by the house soon—she’s been asking about you."
"I will, definitely. Maybe this weekend after I settle into work."
We drove in comfortable silence for a while, and my thoughts drifted to my friends. Stella and Irene were still deep in their studies, talking endlessly about their plans for pursuing master’s degrees. I hadn’t seen them much recently, but we still kept in touch, sharing the occasional message or call.
My phone buzzed just as we reached the city limits. It was a text from Kaia.
 
Kaia: Hey Mae, good luck today! How are you feeling about your internship?
 
A small smile tugged at my lips. Kaia always seemed to reach out at the right moments, though we hadn’t seen each other much lately.
 
Me: Nervous but excited. It’s my first real dive into the tech world. How are you?
 
I tucked the phone away as we pulled into the parking lot of QuantumNet’s sleek office building. Mike turned to me, giving me an encouraging nod.
"Go in there and show them what you’ve got. You’ve worked hard for this."
I nodded, trying to suppress the butterflies in my stomach. "Thanks, Mike. I’ll let you know how it goes."
I stepped out of the car, my heart racing as I approached the building’s glass doors. The office was a modern, open space with employees bustling about. I was directed to the intern coordinator, a friendly woman named Sarah, who introduced me to the team. They were welcoming, and it wasn’t long before I was shown to my workstation.
The morning passed in a blur of introductions and setting up my computer. I met my mentor, David, who explained that I’d be working on a mobile app for the healthcare sector. It was a real project with real stakes, and I could already feel the weight of the responsibility. But it was also exactly what I had been looking for.
David showed me to my desk, a clean, organized space near a large window that overlooked Rivertown’s skyline. He walked me through the basics of the project, highlighting the importance of user-friendly design and data security. As he spoke, I took notes, my mind racing with ideas and questions.
“Don’t worry about getting everything perfect right away,” David said, noticing the intensity in my eyes. “We’re here to guide you. Take it one step at a time.”
That reassurance eased some of my nerves. I spent the rest of the morning diving into the project specs, familiarizing myself with the software and tools they used. There was a lot to learn, but each new discovery felt like a small victory.
During lunch, I checked my phone again and saw that Kaia had replied.
 
Kaia: That’s awesome! I’m sure you’ll crush it. Let’s catch up soon, okay?
 
I typed a quick reply.
 
Me: For sure. Thanks for checking in. It means a lot.
 
As I sat there, eating my sandwich and looking out at the bustling city of Rivertown, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much life had shifted. My mom, still working tirelessly despite everything. Mike, about to be a father. Stella and Irene, pursuing their academic dreams with the same passion they’d always had. And here I was, on the brink of something new, unsure of what it would bring but ready to face it head-on.
The afternoon was filled with hands-on tasks. David had me assist with debugging a small issue in the app’s interface—a task that, while challenging, gave me a taste of the real work I’d be doing. Each line of code I adjusted felt like a step deeper into this new world, and by the time the clock hit five, I was both exhausted and exhilarated.
The day flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to head home. Mike was waiting for me outside, still grinning.
"How’d it goes?" he asked as I slid into the car.
"Good," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. "It was a lot, but I think I’ll be okay."
"You’ll be more than okay," he said, patting me on the shoulder. "Just keep at it."
As we drove home, I thought about Kaia’s message, the project I’d been assigned, and everything that lay ahead. It felt like the beginning of something big—not just in my career but in my life.
When we pulled into the driveway, the house felt unusually quiet. Mike's wife was out visiting her parents, leaving just the two of us. As I stepped inside, the exhaustion from the day began to settle in, but so did a strange sense of calm.
Later that evening, while I was reviewing my notes from the day, my phone buzzed again. This time, it was my mom.
 
Mom: How was your first day?
 
I hesitated for a moment, staring at the screen. Despite our tense relationship, she always found a way to be there when I needed someone to talk to, especially when I got burnt out about studies or work.
 
Me: It went well. A bit overwhelming, but I’m excited about the project.
 
Mom: That’s good to hear. I’m proud of you.
 
Her words lingered in my mind longer than I expected. Maybe things between us weren’t perfect, but there was still a connection, however strained it might be.
As I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, I thought about the journey ahead—the challenges, the opportunities, and the unexpected moments of support from people I least expected. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter, one where I could finally discover not just who I was in my career, but who I was becoming as a person.
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Timestamp: 23:58
 
I keep asking myself the same question over and over again. Is my kind of love wrong? But then, I think about what love really is.
 
Love has never been anything but beautiful. Even in its messiness, in its confusion, it carries something pure, something raw. It’s not the world’s idea of love that makes it perfect—it’s how we choose to see it, how we feel it. When we appreciate what it means to care for someone, to see them in ways no one else does, isn’t that the perfection we’re all searching for?
 
But then again, love isn’t simple. Different minds, different opinions. People will always have something to say. Their voices creep into the spaces between us, questioning, doubting. Should we be doing this? Is this right?
 
And yet, here I am, back at the beginning of my thoughts. Do my kind of love is wrong?
 
I don’t have the answer. Maybe I’m afraid to know it. Or maybe deep down, I already do. But for now, all I know is that when I’m with you, it doesn’t feel wrong. It feels like the truest thing I’ve ever known.
 
Kaia… Why can’t she be mine?
 
I catch myself thinking about her more often than I should. The way her eyes light up when she talks about her dreams, the softness in her voice when she says my name—it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. But does she see me the same way? Or am I just her friend, nothing more?
 
If I told her about this feeling, will this friendship be gone?
 
The thought of losing her scares me more than keeping this secret locked inside. But how long can I pretend? How long can I stand next to her, laughing, talking, while my heart screams for something more?
 
I wish love was as simple as people say. But maybe it’s supposed to be complicated, maybe that’s what makes it real. I just don’t know if I’m brave enough to find out.
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            Four months have passed. As the days at QuantumNet unfolded, I found myself growing more confident in my role. David’s guidance and the team’s support helped me navigate the complexities of the project. The mobile app we were developing aimed to streamline patient data for healthcare providers, ensuring both efficiency and privacy. It was exciting to contribute to something that could make a real difference.
Kaia and I continued to text regularly. Our conversations became longer, more personal. She shared her own work challenges, and I found myself opening up about my internship experiences. There was a warmth in our exchanges that I hadn’t felt in a long time—a connection that went beyond casual friendship.
One evening, after a particularly challenging day debugging a stubborn code issue, Kaia suggested we meet for coffee. The idea thrilled and terrified me in equal measure. We hadn’t spent time together in person since before my internship started, and I wasn’t sure what seeing her again would stir in me.
When the weekend arrived, I found myself standing outside our favourite café, my heart pounding. Kaia greeted me with a bright smile, and for a moment, the tension melted away. We talked for hours, about everything and nothing, and I realized how much I’d missed her presence.
As we said goodbye, Kaia hugged me tightly, lingering just a second longer than necessary. It left me wondering—was there something more between us, or was I just reading too much into it?
Back at work, the project progressed steadily. I started taking on more responsibilities, contributing ideas during team meetings, and even leading a small segment of the app’s design. David’s encouragement and the team’s trust fuelled my determination to excel.
But my thoughts often drifted to Kaia. Our connection felt like an undercurrent, growing stronger with each interaction. I wasn’t sure where it was heading, but I knew one thing—I wanted to find out.
As my internship at QuantumNet continued, I realized this journey wasn’t just about building a career. It was about discovering new parts of myself, both in the professional world and in my personal life. And maybe, just maybe, opening my heart again.
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David approached my desk with that familiar, easy-going smile, a folder tucked under his arm. “Mae, got a minute?” he asked, his tone casual, but there was something in his eyes—something that made my heart skip. I quickly minimized the app I was debugging, nodding as I straightened in my chair. “Of course,” I replied, trying to sound composed, though my mind was already racing. He pulled up a chair, settling across from me with a relaxed posture, but his gaze was sharp, focused.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about your internship evaluation,” he began, flipping open the folder. My palms felt clammy, and I clasped my hands together in my lap, bracing for feedback. “You’ve done an excellent job these past four months,” he continued, his voice steady and sincere. Relief washed over me like a wave, but I kept my expression measured, not wanting to seem overly eager. “Really? I mean—I’ve been trying my best, but I wasn’t sure if it was enough,” I admitted, my voice softer than I intended.
David chuckled, leaning back slightly in his chair. “More than enough,” he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Your attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and how quickly you picked up new frameworks? Honestly, Mae, you’ve outpaced expectations. The team’s been impressed, and frankly, so have I.” A flush crept up my neck, the kind that comes from both pride and disbelief. “Thank you, David,” I murmured, meeting his gaze. “That really means a lot, especially coming from you.”
He smiled but didn’t close the folder, as if there was more that he wanted to say. “So, graduation’s coming up soon, right?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah… in two months. It feels surreal. I still remember walking into the first day of this internship, feeling completely out of my depth.”
David chuckled at that, shaking his head. “Well, you definitely found your footing. Are you excited about the ceremony?”
“I guess,” I said with a soft laugh. “It’s more for my family than for me. But it’ll be nice to close that chapter, you know? Though now… it feels like everything’s happening so fast.”
David’s smile widened, as if that was exactly the segue he’d been waiting for. “Speaking of things happening fast…” He leaned forward, his tone shifting just enough to send my heart racing again. “I’ve got some good news.”
I tilted my head, curiosity piqued. “Good news?”
He paused for a heartbeat, letting the suspense hang in the air. “The higher-ups at Summit River Corp have been keeping tabs on your progress, and they’re offering you a position at the headquarters as an Application Developer.”
For a moment, I just stared at him, the words not fully sinking in. “Wait—what?” I managed, my voice a mix of shock and disbelief. “Are you serious?” My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.
David laughed, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Dead serious,” he confirmed. “You’ll be working on a whole new scale. The company handles over a hundred clients, helping them build and manage their websites and applications. It’s a big step, but with the skills you’ve shown here, I have no doubt you’ll thrive.”
I felt like the ground beneath me had shifted, like I was standing at the edge of something vast and exhilarating. “Wow…” I breathed, shaking my head slightly as if that would help me process it all. “I don’t even know what to say. This is incredible. I didn’t think things would move this fast.”
David leaned back, his grin softening into something more thoughtful. “It’s funny how life works sometimes. One minute you’re stressing over code, the next you’re planning your career. But you’ve earned this, Mae. You should be proud of yourself.”
I nodded, still trying to wrap my head around it all. “So… I’ll finish the internship here, then graduate in two months, and after that… straight into the real world?” I asked, half-laughing at how quickly everything was shifting.
“Exactly,” David said, standing now and giving me a firm nod. “You’ve got a lot to look forward to. But just remember, this is just the beginning. Real-world projects come with their own challenges, but I believe you’re more than ready.”
I rose to my feet too, feeling the weight and wonder of the moment settle over me. “Thank you, David. For everything—your guidance, your patience…” My voice caught slightly, but I pushed through. “I wouldn’t have made it here without you.”
He gave me a firm nod, his eyes warm. “You did the heavy lifting,” he said, moving toward the door. But then he glanced back, a playful glint in his eye. “Just don’t forget us little people when you’re making waves at HQ.”
I laughed, the tension in my chest finally releasing. “Never,” I promised, grinning. “And I still owe you coffee for every time you saved me from crashing the app.”
David chuckled as he stepped out. “I’ll hold you to that. Congratulations, Mae. You deserve this.”
As the door clicked shut behind him, I sank back into my chair, my heart still racing. Two more months of internship, graduation just around the corner, and then this… this. The future was here, and for the first time in a long time, I felt ready to meet it head-on.