The week was chaos.
Randy buried in assignments and football practice.
Steph exhausted from cheer, volunteering, and teaching younger girls.
They barely saw each other.
One night, Steph came home late and found Randy asleep at his desk, Raider Nation notes scattered everywhere.
She covered him with a blanket, whispering softly:
“My 19…”
Randy stirred, eyes opening, weary.
“Steph… I’m drowning.”
Steph sat beside him, holding his hand.
“You don’t have to do it alone.”
“I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Steph squeezed his hand.
“You won’t. Not with me here.”
They sat together in the quiet, the weight of college life pressing down but their bond holding firm.
Stress didn’t break them — it reminded them why they needed each other.