Page 43 of Ice Melts

For this beautiful moment, everything was right in the world.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Sarah adjusted the strap of her bag and stepped into the warm, sunlit office ofThe Impact Journal, a nonprofit-focused publication that told the real stories of people changing the world. The hum of quiet conversations, the rhythmic clicking of keyboards, and the rich smell of fresh coffee filled the space, a stark contrast to the loud, chaotic newsroom she’d left behind.

She had been at her new job for only a month, but she already felt the difference in her bones. The stress she used to carry—of chasing controversy, of crafting clickbait headlines, of twisting words into stories designed to provoke outrage—was gone. Here, she could write about things that mattered.

Her boss, Evelyn Carter, a sharp yet kind woman in her early fifties, waved her over as she passed the editorial room. “Sarah, got a second?”

“Of course,” Sarah said, stepping into her office.

Evelyn leaned back in her chair, a knowing smile on her face. “How do you feel about a trip to D.C.?”

Sarah’s brows lifted in surprise. “D.C.?”

“We just got confirmation that we’ve been invited to cover the National Summit for Social Change. It’s a gathering of someof the biggest nonprofit leaders in the country—climate activists, education reformers, community organizers. The real change-makers. And I want you to be our lead reporter on it.”

Sarah blinked, momentarily stunned. “Wait… you want me to cover it?”Act like a professional.

Evelyn chuckled. “I do. You’ve been doing incredible work since you got here, Sarah. Your pieces on grassroots education efforts have been some of the most-read articles we’ve published this month. And the way you covered the mentorship program for at-risk teens? Beautifully done. You have an eye for these stories, and I think you’ll bring something special to the summit coverage.”

Sarah felt a slow, spreading warmth in her chest, the kind of warmth that came from knowing she was exactly where she was meant to be.

“I… wow,” she breathed, still processing. “I would love to do it. Thank you for trusting me with this.”

Evelyn smiled. “Of course. But there’s one more thing.”

Sarah tilted her head. “What’s that?”

Evelyn pulled out a folder and slid it across the desk. “They’ve also asked us to moderate a panel on ethical journalism. It’s a huge honor, and I’d like you to co-moderate with me.”

Sarah’s heart skipped a beat.

“Me?” she repeated and wanted to kick herself.

Evelyn nodded. “You’ve seen both sides of the industry, Sarah. You’ve been in the world of sensationalism, and you chose to walk away from it. That perspective is valuable. You can speak to the responsibility we have as journalists—not just to report the truth, but to report it ethically.”

A lump formed in Sarah’s throat.

For so long, she had felt guilty about the stories she used to write: The ones that stirred controversy instead of providingclarity, The ones that tore people down rather than lifting up the truth. She had spent years convincing herself it was just a job, that she was doing what she had to do. But it had never felt right.

And now? Now she had the chance to stand on a stage and talk about why she’d left that world behind.

“I’d be honored,” she said, her voice firm.

Evelyn smiled. “I had a feeling you’d say that.”

Sarah sat on her apartment balcony that night, the city stretched out before her in a sea of twinkling lights. A cup of tea rested in her hands, its warmth grounding her.

For the first time in a long time, she didn’t feel restless.

Her phone buzzed beside her, and when she glanced down, she saw Travis’s name lighting up the screen. A small smile tugged at her lips as she picked it up.

“Hey, superstar,” Travis’s voice came through, warm and teasing. “Tatum told me the news. You’re going to D.C.? That’s huge.”

Sarah chuckled. “I swear, that girl is faster than any news outlet.”

“She’s proud of you,” Travis’ voice dropped to a softer tone. “So am I.”

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