Some journeys truly began the moment you decided to take the first step.
Tuesday morning arrived beneath a sky painted with pale shades of gold.
Westwood High buzzed with its usual energy.
Students hurried through the gates.
Teachers greeted one another in the hallways.
The library opened its doors to another day of readers.
Yet for Noah—
everything felt just a little different.
Not because the answers had changed.
Because now—
there was a future to prepare for.
---
At lunch, the six friends gathered beneath the First Chapter Bench.
Jason arrived carrying a notebook before anyone else.
Ryan looked at it knowingly.
"You brought the list."
Jason looked offended.
"Of course I brought the list."
Emily laughed.
"I was wondering how long it would take."
Jason proudly opened t
