Page 89 of Alpha Varsity

Enclosed are the details. To accept our award, please fill out the paperwork and return to us no later than November 15th.

We look forward to making arrangements to install you and your art next fall.

Best Regards,

Bea Daily

Director, Swan Art Award Program

My hand trembles. “What is this?” I repeat, dazed.

“I’ve been entering your artwork to contests. Lauren Sterling connected me with an art gallery owner who said the way to gain recognition was to submit to these kinds of things. She gave me a list, and I’ve been sending photos and descriptions of your work everywhere.”

My eyes fill with tears. “What? Since when?”

“Since the meadow. When we realized your art was prophetic. I knew it was important to try to support you in this, especially since your family hasn’t.”

“Asher.” I throw my arms around him and squeeze him tight. “This is incredible. I can’t believe it.”

He grins. “You’re happy.”

“Is there any doubt?”

“I called the coach at UCLA and said they were my top choice. I just figured it doesn’t hurt to let them know I’m interested. Some ballers are playing hard ball with them to get more. I just want a spot.” He shrugs. “I’m pretty sure they’ll find me money and a spot.”

“Incredible!”

“Yep. Our future–away from here–is right around the corner.”

I shake my head. “I don’t even care about moving anymore. But yes. And Wolf Ridge will be here if we want to come back.”

“Yeah. Good. My mom is gonna want to hold our pups.”

I laugh. I notice my instinct to shut him down on pups, since I’ve been doing it forever with my mom, but then it morphs into something different.

Oh.

I definitely do want pups. I want to seeAsher as a dad. I want to create a family with him. And yes, I might want to move back here. But after we’ve gone out to conquer the world.

Together.

Always together.

With Asher by my side, I believe we can do anything we set our minds to.

Epilogue

Asher

I pump the keg and dispense another two beers for myself and Lotta. There’s a party up on the mesa to celebrate our send-off. Our age difference makes for an interesting mix of people at the party. It’s mostly my friends–other graduates–but also some of Lotta’s friends, like Olive and Brianna.

Lotta and I leave tomorrow for Los Angeles for her artist in residency.

Last weekend was graduation.

I’m not the kind of guy who ever pictured walking on graduation day with the cap and gown and all that shit.

It’s not something I was working toward. I guess because I wasn’t focused on what came after.

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