The acceptance letter arrived on a Tuesday morning, delivered by express mail with the official seal of Stellar Academy's International Programs office. Aiko stared at the envelope for several minutes before opening it, her hands trembling with anticipation as she broke the seal that would determine the next chapter of her life.
"Congratulations," the letter began, "we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Spanish Cultural Exchange Program at the Instituto Superior de Belleza in Madrid..."
Mari squealed with excitement, and Aiko felt her heart soar with pure joy. She had done it. After everything—the months of secret training, the escape from her aunt's house, the intensive preparation—she was actually going to Spain.
"Aiko! This is incredible news!" Mari's voice was full of genuine happiness for her friend.
"I can't believe it's real," Aiko said, clutching the letter to her chest. "I'm actually going to Madrid."
The campus gardens were bustling with morning activity, but Aiko barely noticed as she walked in a daze of excitement and determination. Spain wasn't just an academic opportunity—it was her chance to finally complete the journey that had begun in a small park on a stormy afternoon.
The memory of gentle hands working through her tangled hair remained as vivid as ever. She could still feel the patient touch, the unconditional kindness, the recognition in those warm brown eyes. After all this time, after all her growth and achievement, that connection remained the driving force of her heart.
"You did it," she whispered to herself, thinking of the cyclist who had started this entire journey. "I'm coming to find you."
Her phone buzzed with congratulations from Professor Martinez, from Mrs. Sato, from classmates who had heard the news. But beneath all the celebration, Aiko felt the quiet certainty that had sustained her through every challenge.
Spain was waiting. And somewhere in that country, the person who had saved her was waiting too.
The girl who had once hidden in an attic, convinced she was worth nothing, had become someone capable of pursuing the impossible dream of finding her first love.
Madrid was calling her home.
That afternoon, Aiko called the program coordinator to officially accept her placement. As she hung up the phone, she felt the familiar thrill of taking another step toward her destiny.
Six months until departure. Six months to prepare for the adventure that would either fulfill her deepest dreams or teach her that some loves were meant to remain beautiful memories.
Either way, she was finally going to find out.