Annica stared out the window of her dorm room, the vast expanse of the night sky a constant reminder of her dreams. She had never felt more torn between her own aspirations and her family's expectations. As she prepared for another grueling day of training at Johnson Space Centre, the weight of her decision to pursue a career as a pilot astronaut instead of an engineer weighed heavily on her.
Annica's relationship with her mother, Darlyn, had always been strained, ever since she had announced her intention to apply to Johnson renowned space exploration program. Darlyn had wanted Annica to follow in her father's footsteps, to become an accomplished engineer like him, but Annica's heart had always belonged to the sky.
"Why can't you just be practical for once, Annica?" Darlyn had scolded during their last heated argument. "An engineering degree would set you up for success, but this silly dream of becoming a pilot? It's too risky, too uncertain."
Annica had tried to reason with her mother, to explain the depth of her passion for aviation and space travel, but Darlyn refused to listen. In her mind, Annica's aspirations were nothing more than a phase, a youthful whim that would eventually fade.
Sighing, Annica turned away from the window and began to gather her books and materials for the day. As she made her way to the cafeteria, she spotted her closest friends, Mikylla and Decca, she didn't expect that Peter and Travis are there in their table already seated at their usual table.
"Hey, Annica!" Mikylla greeted her, a warm smile on her face. "I was starting to think you'd slept in."
Annica managed a half-hearted smile in return. "No, just... a lot on my mind, that's all."
Decca, ever perceptive, reached across the table and gave Annica's hand a gentle squeeze. "Is it your family again?" Annica nodded, feeling the familiar sting of tears in her eyes. "They just don't understand, you know? How can I make them see that this is my dream, not theirs?"
Mikylla and Decca exchanged a concerned look, knowing all too well the emotional turmoil their friend was experiencing. They had witnessed Annica's unwavering determination in the face of her parents' opposition, and they were determined to support her every step of the way.
"Hey, whatever happens, we're here for you, okay?" Decca said, her voice laced with reassurance. "You've got us, and we're not going anywhere."
Annica felt a surge of gratitude for her friends, even as the familiar knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. "Thanks, you guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."
then Travis stared at her and Annica eyes want to cry, Travis notice her eyes that's why Travis stand up and get Annica hands they go to rooftop.
Annica hug him and crying while saying "am I not a good daughter? Am I not enough? All my sacrifices and do what they want still not enough! I just want to become space pilot why they want to pursue the dreams that I don't want to! I handle everything without them without their support!" Travis hug back Annica he knows that Annica handle and face all the challenges and difficulties in life so he comfort Annica, they go down and Travis buy two ice cream. They go back to their friends and made their way to their first class, Annica couldn't help but notice the sharp, envious glances that Taylor Madison Jewel was casting in her direction.
Annica and Taylor had been engaged in a subtle, but fiercely competitive rivalry ever since they had arrived at Johnson, both vying for the top spots in their respective fields. Taylor, a brilliant and driven computer science major, had made no secret of her disdain for Annica's perceived "privilege" and "favoritism" from the professors. Annica, on the other hand, tried her best to ignore Taylor's barbs and focus on her own studies, but the tension between them was palpable.
As they entered the Advanced Aeronautics Lab, Annica couldn't help but steal a glance at Travis, the aspiring space commander astronaut who had captured her heart. Annica had been secretly infatuated with Travis since their college days, but the complicated web of her family drama and Taylor's jealousy made any potential romantic entanglement feel like a minefield.
Travis caught Annica's gaze and offered her a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with a hint of affection. Annica felt her heart skip a beat, and she quickly turned away, her cheeks flushing with a mix of giddiness and apprehension.
The class began with a detailed lecture on the intricacies of rocket propulsion systems, led by the ever-enthusiastic Professor Henry. Annica found herself captivated by the professor's explanations, her mind racing with ideas and innovations that could push the boundaries of space exploration.
As the lesson progressed, Annica noticed Taylor leaning in closer to Travis, her voice low and conspiratorial. Annica felt a pang of jealousy as she watched the two interact, her own insecurities bubbling to the surface. What if Taylor was trying to manipulate Travis, to undermine Annica's relationship with him?
Pushing aside her worries, Annica refocused her attention on the lecture, determined to excel in her studies. She knew that her dreams of becoming a space pilot astronaut hinged on her ability to excel in her classes and training, and she couldn't afford to let her personal conflicts distract her.
As the class came to an end, Professor Henry approached Annica with a proud smile. "Excellent work today, Ms. Kim Santos. Your insights on the potential applications of plasma propulsion were truly innovative. I expect great things from you in the future."
Annica felt a surge of pride, her spirits lifted by the professor's praise. Perhaps, with hard work and determination, she could prove to her family and herself that her dreams were within reach.
Later that evening, as Annica settled into her dorm room, a knock on the door startled her. To her surprise, it was Travis, standing in the hallway with a sheepish expression.
"Hey, Annica," he said, his voice soft and hesitant. "I was wondering if we could talk?"
Annica's heart raced as she ushered Travis inside, her mind racing with a thousand questions. What could he possibly want to discuss? Was this about their budding relationship, or something else entirely?
As they sat down on the edge of Annica's bed, Travis took a deep breath, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.
"Annica, I... I've noticed the way Taylor's been acting around you lately. I'm worried she's trying to cause trouble between us." He paused, reaching out to gently take Annica's hand. "I don't want anything to come between us, and I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
Annica felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over her. She had already sensed Taylor's jealousy and suspicions, but to have Travis acknowledge it and offer his unwavering support was more than she could have hoped for.
"Travis, I..." Annica began, her voice trembling with emotion. "I don't know what to say. I'm so grateful to have you in my life, even if things are complicated right now."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, their hands intertwined, before Travis spoke again.
"Annica, I want you to know that I believe in you, and in your dreams. I know it's not easy, with your family and all, but I'm here to support you, every step of the way." He squeezed her hand gently. "We'll get through this, together."
Annica felt a weight lift from her shoulders, and she couldn't help but smile, her heart filled with a renewed sense of hope and determination. With Travis by her side, and her friends supporting her, she knew that she could navigate the complex challenges that lay ahead, and reach for the stars.