Chapter 152

When Sophia found out that the college entrance exam was reinstated, she immediately told Henry about it. She wasn't looking to marry him right away; instead, she wanted him to join her in taking the exam so they could return to the city, get married, and start a family.

However, applying to college wasn't as simple as signing up. They used their evenings after work to study, but even after more than a month, they were nowhere near prepared. Deep down, they both knew that passing the exam to return to the city was a long shot.

Despite this, Sophia still wasn't ready to get married. Getting pregnant had been an accident, and she wasn't about to let it dictate the rest of her life.

With tear-filled eyes and a quivering voice, she said, "I don't want to hide this from everyone. You have no idea how painful this is for me, but if we get married, we'll never make it back to the city."

Henry, straightforward as always, replied, "Marrying or not, there's no guarantee we can go back."

Sophia insisted, "At least we still have hope now. The authorities are changing their stance on sending people to the countryside. Even if we don't pass the exams, there will be other opportunities to return."

Henry took a deep breath and glanced at her belly. "What about the baby? We might be able to hide it now, but in two or three months, it will be impossible."

Sophia was resolute. "With your help, I can manage."

Henry looked at her earnestly. "Even if we can hide it during the pregnancy, what will we do if the baby is born and we're still stuck here? I don't want you to suffer like this."

Tears streaming down her face, Sophia replied, "But if we never get to leave, I'll be even more miserable. I don't want to spend my life in this place, and I don't want you stuck here because of me. You don't deserve to be trapped in this small village."

They had had this conversation before. Seeing her on the verge of breaking down, Henry softened his tone. "Alright, we'll do it your way. No matter what happens, I'll stand by you."

Sophia nodded, reassured. "Thank you."

They had weathered so many storms together; they could get through this one as well.

***

After submitting their college applications, it wasn't long before the day of the exam arrived.

The night before the exam, the factory's night school cut classes short to let everyone rest and prepare. The teacher went over the essentials: bring all necessary documents and supplies, stay calm, and remember some exam techniques.

As class ended, so did their night school sessions. Summer and Jenny said their usual goodbyes, adding, "Good luck tomorrow!"

Summer walked briskly to the bike shed where Logan was waiting for her. Ever since Logan had paid her in snacks for bike rides, they had been going home together every night.

In the countryside, they commuted together daily. This past month of nightly rides had become routine. Summer let Logan ride with her for a sense of safety in the dark.

Winter nights were particularly cold. Logan rode slowly to shield Summer from the wind. She spoke up from behind him, "Are you nervous about the exam tomorrow?"

Logan replied, "Not really."

Summer reassured him, "You'll do great. I know it."

Logan glanced back at her, "Why are you so sure?"

Avoiding spoilers from a novel she read, she said, "Because I believe in you."

Logan smiled and returned the encouragement, "You'll do great too."

Summer asked, "Why do you think so?"

Logan answered, "I trust my instincts about people."

They both laughed. As they reached the alley where they usually parted ways, Summer lingered, not wanting to say goodbye.

Logan noticed her hesitation. "What's on your mind?"

Gathering her courage, Summer said, "I hereby declare you have passed my trial period. From today onwards, we're officially friends."

Logan chuckled, "Alright, I'll always have your back."

Summer quickly added, "No need for heroics, just don't get me into trouble."

Logan stared at her, amused. "I'm really curious, how bad do you think I am?"

Summer laughed, avoiding a direct answer, and bid him goodnight, running into the alley. Logan waited a moment, but instead of hearing her close the gate, he saw her running back.

Out of breath, she said, "I forgot to say, good luck tomorrow! If we both pass, dinner's on me!"

Logan called after her, "You too, good luck!"

Summer's voice echoed back, "Thanks!"