"Embracing the Journey"

Mia sat at her desk, staring at the email on her screen. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, hesitating as doubts filled her mind. The invitation from Webnovel was still fresh, but the weight of the decision pressed heavily on her. She had taken the first step by posting her story, but this? This was something much bigger.

Her phone buzzed. Another message from Lucas.

Lucas: Did you apply yet?

Mia sighed, tapping her fingers against the desk before replying.

Mia: Not yet. Thinking it through.

A few seconds later, her phone rang. She rolled her eyes and answered.

"Mia, why are you overthinking this?" Lucas asked immediately. "You got the invitation, which means they see potential in you. Why are you hesitating?"

Mia leaned back in her chair. "Because… what if I can't keep up? What if I lose inspiration? What if—"

"What if you succeed?" Lucas interrupted. "You've already proven that people love your writing. Isn't this what you wanted?"

Mia closed her eyes. It was what she wanted. She had dreamed about this moment for years, but now that it was within reach, fear had wrapped itself around her like chains, holding her back.

"Lucas…" she whispered. "What if I fail?"

"Then you get back up and keep going. That's what writers do. That's what dreamers do." His voice softened. "Mia, you're not alone in this. I'll be right here, supporting you. You just have to take the next step."

Mia exhaled slowly, staring at her laptop screen. Lucas was right. She had already taken the hardest step—putting her work out into the world. This was just the next chapter in her journey.

Without overthinking it further, she clicked the 'Apply' button and filled out the form. Her hands were still trembling when she finally hit 'Submit.'

A rush of adrenaline coursed through her veins. It was done. There was no turning back now.

A message popped up from Lucas.

Lucas: I knew you could do it. Now, keep writing.

Mia let out a small laugh, a weight lifting off her chest. She glanced at her notebook, filled with ideas waiting to be written. For the first time in a long time, excitement outweighed fear.

She wasn't just dreaming anymore. She was doing it.