The countdown to the New Year filled the Pasimupindu mansion with an energy that made the walls vibrate. Fairy lights twinkled across the living room, the golden glow reflecting off the polished floors. Outside, the sky over Chitungwiza was dotted with fireworks, their bright bursts echoing the excitement inside.
Caro flitted around with her camera, capturing every angle of the festivities for her salon's social media page. Collins had turned the balcony into a mini observatory, showing Leratho and Clifton how the wiring for the fireworks safety lights worked. Tino was busy recording a tutorial on "How to Make New Year's Resolutions That Stick" for her teaching channel.
And I sat at the head of the table, laptop open, nervously refreshing my inbox.
"You're acting weird," Leratho whispered, peeking over my shoulder. "Are you going to cry when the fireworks start or something?"
"Not crying," I muttered, though my heart was hammering in my chest. "Just… waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Clifton asked, perched on the arm of the couch like a cat.
I hesitated. "It's… a scholarship email. Chulalongkorn University."
Immediately, the room buzzed. Caro rolled her eyes. "Girl, you've been refreshing that inbox every hour for a month. Relax. If they accept you, we celebrate. If not, we still have a mansion and viral content."
"Yeah," Dad added with a chuckle. "But I'll admit, I want to see your face when you get good news. That's worth the suspense."
Mom handed me a glass of juice. "You've worked hard, Shelly. Whatever happens, we're proud. Now, let's enjoy the night. Resolutions can wait a bit."
---
The countdown began. Ten… nine… eight… Leratho and Clifton were chanting along, trying to out-shout the fireworks outside.
Five… four… three… two…
I barely noticed the numbers. My eyes were glued to the laptop screen. And then it pinged. One single new email. My hands trembled as I clicked it open.
Subject: Chulalongkorn University Scholarship Application – Decision
I swallowed hard and opened the message. The first line made my heart skip:
"Dear Shelly Pasimupindu, we are pleased to inform you that your application for the Merit Scholarship has been successful. Congratulations!"
For a moment, everything froze. The fireworks, the chatter, even the ticking of the clock felt distant. Then, reality crashed in. I jumped up, waving my arms.
"I GOT IT! I GOT THE SCHOLARSHIP!"
The family erupted. Caro squealed, nearly dropping her camera. Collins yelled, "Finally! I knew it!" Leratho and Clifton danced around me, laughing hysterically. Mom grabbed me in a tight hug, Dad clapped me on the back so hard I stumbled.
Tino's voice was cracking with emotion. "Shelly… you did it! You're going to Thailand!"
I laughed and cried at the same time. "I… I really am!"
Caro nudged me teasingly. "So… does this mean Ohm Pawat has to prepare a welcome speech?"
Everyone laughed. Even I couldn't help but smile, the absurdity of my celebrity crush obsession softening the moment.
---
After the initial chaos, we settled down for a quiet toast. The fireworks still lit up the sky, but inside the mansion, it felt like our own private universe.
"I want to make a resolution," I began, my voice steadier now. "Not just for me, but for all of us. I want to grow our family brand online, share our story with the world, and make sure this house isn't just ours—it's a place that inspires others to dream big."
Caro raised her glass. "And I want my salon chain to go international."
Collins smirked. "I want to build something so cool that people actually pay attention to electrical engineering."
Leratho and Clifton screamed together, "More TikTok dances!"
Tino smiled softly. "I want to reach more students with my teaching videos, help them feel confident."
Mom and Dad exchanged a glance, both with tears in their eyes. "We just want to see our children happy and thriving," Mom said.
---
By midnight, I was recording another vlog, capturing the fireworks and our family's laughter. I spoke to the camera with excitement and emotion:
"Hi everyone! This is Shelly. Today, it's not just New Year's Eve—it's the start of something amazing. I just received my Chulalongkorn University scholarship, and I can't wait to take this journey with you all. Our family has grown, our dreams are real, and 2026 is going to be incredible. From Chitungwiza to Thailand, we're reaching for the stars—and you're coming with us!"
The comments exploded instantly: "Congrats Shelly!" "You're inspiring!" "Love your family!"
I leaned back in my chair, exhausted but happier than I had ever been. Outside, the fireworks continued, but inside, the mansion felt like it was glowing from within, powered by love, ambition, and the joy of hard work paying off.
For the first time in my life, I felt like the future wasn't just a dream—it was waiting for me, bright, glittering, and limitless.