For every new dream, there was a shadow of doubt lurking nearby.
Akutu had begun to imagine a different future for herself—one filled with purpose, with impact, with real change.
But the moment she allowed herself to dream bigger, the questions crept in.
Was she capable enough?
Was she smart enough?
What if she failed?
It started as a whisper in her mind.
Then, it grew louder.
She found herself overanalyzing everything—her past choices, her abilities, even the way others perceived her.
She thought about her classmates who seemed so sure of themselves, who spoke with confidence in discussions, who already had connections in the field.
Meanwhile, she felt like an imposter.
Like she was just pretending to belong.
One evening, as she sat alone in the library, Olivia found her staring blankly at a book.
"You okay?" Olivia asked, sliding into the seat across from her.
Akutu sighed. "I don't know if I have what it takes."
Olivia tilted her head. "To do what?"
"To be more than just another graduate. To actually… make a difference."
Olivia leaned forward, serious now.
"Akutu, you're one of the most determined people I know. You think those big names in history had everything figured out? They doubted themselves too. But they kept going."
Akutu hesitated. "What if I fail?"
"Then you learn," Olivia said simply. "And then you try again."
That night, Akutu thought about Olivia's words.
Doubt wasn't a sign of weakness.
It was a sign that she was pushing herself beyond her limits.
And maybe, just maybe—
That was a good thing.
The pulleys of life had shifted once again.