Kwabena never expected it.
One Thursday morning, he opened his UEW staff email expecting the usual announcements,
missed student quizzes, and circulars about invigilation schedules.
Instead, at the top of his inbox, bolded and waiting, was the subject line:
"CONGRATULATIONS: POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP APPROVED – HUNGARY
2026"
He blinked.
Then blinked again.
A full ride. Master's in Mathematics Education. One year. Paid accommodation. A once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity.
"Oh my God…"
The words left his mouth in a whisper half joy, half panic.
The Dilemma
That evening, Manda came over like usual textbooks in one hand, apples in the other.
He watched her set the books down, tie her hair up, and sprawl across the couch like she owned
the space. Like she belonged.
He swallowed hard.
"Manda."
"Hmm?"
"Something… happened."
"What? Did someone leak another meme?"
He handed her his phone.
She read the email once. Then again.
Slowly, she looked up.
"You're going to Hungary?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached for her hand.
"They want me there in three months."
Silence
For the first time in weeks, there were no playful jabs. No witty comebacks.
Just a long silence between two people standing on opposite ends of a future neither of them had prepared for.
"It's an amazing opportunity," she finally said, voice steady.
"It is," he replied, "but it came at the worst time."
"Why?"
"Because now… I love someone here."
Manda's eyes softened.
"So do I."
Options
Over the next few days, they did what two overthinking education majors would do they made a list.
• Option A: Kwabena goes, and they break up.
• Option B: Kwabena goes, and they try long distance.
• Option C: Kwabena defers and stays for her.
Each one came with a risk.
With sacrifice.
With pain.
"You've always been more than just a TA," Manda said one night. "You're meant for bigger classrooms. Bigger boards. Bigger change."
"And you," he said softly, "are my home."
The Decision?
He hasn't made it yet.
But the clock is ticking.
And whatever choice he makes one thing's for sure:
This love has already rewritten both their lives in permanent ink.