Oliver shivered and looked at his ticket for what must have been the millionth time. He wiped cold sweat off his forehead and took a deep breath.

"Final boarding call for departure M2301, destination Mars," the speakers at the spaceport terminal blared.

His heart hammered inside his chest as he checked the time. That was his flight. Ten minutes until the gate closed. Ten minutes to decide.

Do I go or do I stay?

He pulled a worn photo out of his pocket and let his fingers slide over the face of the reason for his trip. Ava. A smile spread across his face. 

I can do it!

He stood with a forceful exhale and walked over towards the gate as he tucked the photo back into his pocket.

Mars had never been part of his plan. Taking the next step in his education, yes, but not on Mars. In fact, Mars had never crossed his mind. Not until he met Ava, that is.

They had met in a VR group of students researching faster than light travel. Her avatar had been as generic as his but her personality came through in their conversations and interactions. It wasn't long before his academic plans had changed and he had committed to going to the Mars Academy with her.

The two of them together.

He took a quivering breath as he stepped up to the smiling attendant by the door.

"Your ticket, please, sir."

He froze as a thousand voices urged him to turn around, to run. Was he really ready to leave Earth behind? Could Ava be trusted? Was she who she said she was? Would he get stranded on Mars with no way back? His mother's million questions bounced around his mind while the gate attendant waited with an increasingly forced smile.

With a deep breath, he returned the smile and passed his hand under the chip scanner. A beep followed by a green light. 

"Thank you, sir. Right through here," she said and motioned towards the door just behind her.

"Our onboard staff will take you to your cabin. Welcome to Mars."

Oliver nodded, forced a final smile and took a tentative step towards the gate. This is for you, Ava. He ignored the butterflies in his stomach and the tightening sensation in his chest as stepped through the gate with his eyes firmly shut. 

It was time to commit.

~~~

This story is an entry in the #LookingForAlaskaContest.

It's based on a true story.

Total word count: 395.