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Chapter 1

“Morgan!” I hear my name called from a voice at the front desk the instant I walk in the dorot mail”

I freeze and stare at my best friend, who’s on desk duty There’s only one reason for her to stopI’ve been harassing her for weeks, asking daily if a package had arrived According to the wide grin on her face, it’s here

“Hand it over” I rush to the desk, drop rab it with both hands My name is handwritten, as is the return address New York University Graduate Department

“It feels heavy,” she says “That’s good right?”

A sudden queasiness rolls in my belly “I don’t know”

“Well, open it, silly”

I nod, but just stare at the package The contents determine the next two years of my life—no, it will determine the rest of my life Where I live, my career, my associations…I take a deep breath

“Do you want me to do it?” Shannon asks While I consider that, two other residents walk up to the counter and she hurriedly assists them with their mail

“No, I’ll do it” I gather up e A thick stack of papers slides out On top is a letter I read it aloud with shaking hands

“Dear Ms Hansen,

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into the New York University Graduate Program for the Arts! In addition, we’re excited to announce that you are one of six winners of the prestigious Brannon Grant, awarded to an outstanding applicant in , creative writing, and photography

As a recipients of this grant you will receive a full scholarship and housing for the two years of the program…”

“Holy shit, Morgan! Full scholarship for creative writing? You didn’t tell me you applied for one!”

“I didn’t apply”

“You must have killed it on your story submission”

With my heart in my throat I scan the rest of the letter “I’ andweek”

“You’reto New York next week?”

“Guess this southern girl had to spread her wings soht?”

“I just didn’t knoould be so soon” Shannon and I had been friends since freshe state university She’s pretty s are going to come from this adventure”