No One Else But You

The Interview Offer

Edward wasn't expecting the email.

He had just gotten back from class, tossing his bag onto the floor, when he saw the notification on his laptop.

Subject: Opportunity to Share Your Story
From: Melissa Grant, Senior Editor at Campus Spotlight

Edward frowned, clicking on it.

Hi Edward,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Melissa Grant, and I'm a journalist with Campus Spotlight, a publication that highlights student experiences and important cultural discussions.

I've been following the recent online discourse regarding Allison Forest's livestream, and I believe your story is one that deserves to be told—by you.

If you'd be willing, I'd love to offer you a platform to share your perspective. This would be a chance to set the record straight and reclaim your narrative in your own words. No pressure, of course—I just wanted to extend the opportunity.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Melissa

Edward's heart pounded.

He stared at the screen, rereading the words, his stomach twisting.

A platform. A chance to finally tell the truth—to control the narrative instead of letting Allison do it for him.

He swallowed, his hands tightening into fists.

The idea was tempting.

But was it worth it?

A voice behind him made him flinch. "What's that face?"

Edward turned. Noah leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him curiously.

Edward hesitated, then exhaled sharply. "I just got an email from a journalist."

Noah's brows lifted. "Oh?"

"She wants to do an article on me. On the whole Allison thing." Edward gestured vaguely at his screen. "She says it's a chance to tell my side."

Noah walked over, reading the email over Edward's shoulder. His expression was unreadable.

Finally, he said, "What do you want to do?"

Edward bit his lip. "I don't know."

Noah nodded slowly, then sat on the edge of the bed. "Look. If you want to do this, I'll support you. But if you're just doing it because you think you have to, then... don't."

Edward swallowed. "You think it's a bad idea?"

Noah tilted his head. "I think it depends. If telling your side will help you heal—if it's something you want—then yeah, maybe it's worth it. But if you're doing it to prove something to other people?" He shrugged. "They're gonna believe whatever they want anyway."

Edward exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples.

He hated how right Noah always was.

He didn't owe anyone an explanation. He didn't need to defend himself anymore.

But... would it feel good to finally say it? To have a voice?

His laptop screen still glowed, the email waiting for a reply.

Edward took a breath.

"I need to think about it."

Noah nodded. "Then think."

Edward closed the laptop.

For once, he wasn't making a decision out of fear.

He was making it for himself.