Page 29 of Stolen Moments

“We did it,” I say, breathless.

“You did it. That goal was incredible.”

“I had motivation. Knew you were watching.”

She laughs, and god, I love that sound.

After the game, after the celebration, we end up back at my studio.

“I got the RISD acceptance,” I say, showing her the email.

“Jackson! That’s amazing!”

“Full ride. Graduate program in painting.”

“You’re going to be incredible.”

“Come with me. To Providence. Take your gap year there. We can get an apartment, you can take photos, I can paint. We’ll figure out the rest as we go.”

“You want me to move to Providence with you?”

“I want you with me. Wherever that is.” I pull her closer to me, never wanting to far from her.

She’s quiet for a moment, and I hold my breath, waiting.

“Yes.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes. Let’s go to Providence. Let’s figure it out together.”

I pull her into my arms, kissing her like it’s the first time and the last time and every time in between.

“I love you, Priya Sharma.”

“I love you too, Jackson Rivera.”

Epilogue: One Year Later

Providence is beautiful in the fall.

I’m standing in Jackson’s studio space at RISD, a real studio now, with his thesis show hanging on the walls. His art has evolved over the year, become more confident, more him.

My camera is around my neck. I’ve been taking photos full-time, building a portfolio that’s actually gotten attention from a few galleries. I’m applying to medical schools for next fall, but on my terms this time. Programs that value creativity alongside science.

“Ready?” Jackson asks, coming up behind me and wrapping his arms around my waist.

“Almost. I just want to look at this one a bit longer.”

It’s a painting of me. Bold colors and confident strokes that somehow capture who I am better than any photograph.

“You painted me brave,” I say.

“Because you are brave. Braver than you think.”

“I’m not⁠—”

“You are. You chose yourself. Your happiness. That’s the bravest thing anyone can do.”