The Reason Why
High school, college, confusing feelings, and the future. Athena, a quiet bookworm recovering from loss, moves to a new state and meets Paige, a confident, outgoing basketball prodigy. Their unexpected friendship blossoms, challenging Athena to step out of her shell and navigate the complexities of life, love, and identity alongside the one person who sees her, truly sees her, beyond the pages.
The scent of fresh chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and eggs filled the air as you walked down the stairs. It was the first day of 7th grade, not just any first day, but your first day in a new school, in a new state. Moving from California to Hopkins, Minnesota, had been a whirlwind since your mom, Calliope, passed away almost a year ago. Your dad, Daniel, was humming in the kitchen, wearing that ridiculous apron of his that read "may the forks be with you." He was trying, you knew, making all your favorites to ease the anxiety bubbling in your stomach. You sat at the table, poking at your eggs, the fear of the unknown gnawing at you. You missed your mom. You missed California. You just wanted the day to be over before it even began.
