Chapter 334: The Weight of What We Choose
Sophia sat up abruptly, the movement sharp enough that it drew everyone's attention back to her.
"No," she said, looking straight at Micah. "I understand your fear. I really do. But you're already setting yourself up to fail, and I hate that."
Micah blinked, clearly caught off guard. "That's not what I meant," he said slowly. "I didn't say I will fail."
Sophia tilted her head. "No, you didn't, but you said if you fail. And yes, that's a probability. But the way you said it?" She shook her head. "Deep down, part of you already believes you won't pass. And that part is louder than it should be."
Micah opened his mouth to argue, then closed it because she was right.
"You're not walking into this thinking you're going to give this everything," she continued. "You're walking into it preparing for the fall. That matters."
He frowned, staring at the ground. "I'm just being realistic."
