The Last Dance

River adjusted her cap and gown one final time as she stood in the crowded auditorium of Maple City University. Her blonde hair cascaded in perfect waves beneath the graduation cap, and her brown eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"I can't believe we're actually done," her roommate Sarah whispered beside her.

River smirked, checking her phone for the hundredth time. "About time. Four years of pretending to care about group projects was exhausting."

The ceremony dragged on with endless speeches. River's mind wandered to her plans for the summer—maybe a beach trip, definitely some shopping. She had always been popular, always gotten what she wanted with her charming smile and sharp tongue.

When they finally tossed their caps into the air, River felt oddly empty. College had been her kingdom, and now what?

"Come on," Sarah tugged her arm. "Let's get some pictures by the fountain before our families find us."

River followed, her heels clicking against the marble steps as they headed toward the campus courtyard where water sparkled in the afternoon sun.

The Fountain's Echo

River posed beside the fountain while Sarah snapped photos with her phone. The water sparkled behind them, catching the late afternoon light.

"Perfect!" Sarah grinned, showing River the screen. "Your mom will love this one."

River barely glanced at the photo. Something felt wrong about leaving campus forever. She had ruled this place for four years, and now what? Work at some boring office?

"Let's get one more by the—" Sarah started.

A woman with short dark hair approached them, carrying a clipboard and wearing paint-splattered jeans. "Excuse me, are you River Matthews?"

River raised an eyebrow. "Maybe. Who's asking?"

"I'm Emma Chen from the campus art department. I've been watching you swim at the pool for months. Your technique is incredible—you move through water like it's your natural element."

"So?" River crossed her arms, though she felt a strange flutter of interest.

"There's a position opening at the Maple City Aquatic Center. They need someone to teach children's swimming classes. The pay is excellent, and..." Emma smiled. "I think you'd be amazing at it."

River stared at her, speechless for once.