Natural Selection

by Elin Hilderbrand

Sophia’s friend Pierce agreed that “getting away” was the logical next step—because how well do you really know someone if you haven’t traveled together?

It was an affliction of the millennial male: the utter downplaying of emotion. Everything was casual; in a world where their next hookup was only a swipe away, everyone was disposable.

Sophia’s idea of a vacation is staying someplace nicer than the place she already lives.

If he wanted to, he would, Sophia thinks.

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, and it is not the most intelligent. It is the one most adaptable to change.

The real world, and all the unpleasant realities it holds, will be waiting when she gets back.

she will remember the moment this picture was taken—and she will marvel at her own evolution.