Nathan had worked at the marketing firm for six years, and he was good at his job. One Tuesday, his manager called him into her office and offered him a promotion. The new role meant more responsibility and a higher salary. It also meant moving to the company's office in another city.
内森在这家营销公司已经工作了六年，而且做得很出色。一个星期二，他的经理把他叫进办公室，向他提出了晋升。新职位意味着更多的责任和更高的薪水，也意味着要搬到公司在另一座城市的办公室。
Nathan felt excited, but he also felt uncertain. He and his partner, Chloe, had lived in their small apartment for three years. Their friends, their families, and their favorite coffee shop were all nearby. Moving would mean leaving all of that behind.
内森很兴奋，但也感到不确定。他和伴侣克洛伊已经在他们的小公寓里住了三年。他们的朋友、家人，还有他们最喜欢的咖啡店，全都在附近。搬家就意味着把这一切都留在身后。
That night, Nathan told Chloe about the offer. "It's a great opportunity," he said, "but I don't know if I should take it."
那天晚上，内森把这个机会告诉了克洛伊。“这是个很好的机会，”他说，“可是我不知道该不该接受。”
Chloe thought for a moment. "What happens if you say no?" she asked.
克洛伊想了一会儿。“如果你拒绝了，会怎么样？”她问。
"I'll probably stay in the same role for a few more years," Nathan admitted. "There might not be another chance like this one."
“我大概会在同一个岗位上再待几年，”内森承认，“可能不会再有这样的机会了。”
They talked for hours, listing what each choice would mean. Staying meant comfort and familiar faces. Moving meant a fresh start and new experiences, even though it would be hard at first.
他们谈了好几个小时，把每个选择意味着什么都列了出来。留下来，意味着安逸和熟悉的面孔。搬走，意味着全新的开始和新的体验，尽管一开始会很难。
"If we move, we'll have to build a new life from nothing," Chloe said. "But we've done hard things together before."
“如果我们搬家，就得从零开始建立新的生活，”克洛伊说，“但我们以前也一起做过难的事。”
Nathan nodded slowly. Neither option was wrong, and that was what made the decision so difficult. Both paths could lead to a good life; he simply had to pick one.
内森慢慢地点了点头。两个选择都没有错，这正是让决定如此困难的原因。两条路都可能通向美好的生活，他只是必须选一条。
The next morning, Nathan called his manager back. "I've thought it over, and I'd like to accept the promotion," he said. His voice was steady, even though his heart was racing.
第二天早上，内森给经理回了电话。“我已经考虑好了，我想接受这个晋升，”他说。尽管他的心跳得很快，声音却很平稳。
That evening, they sat on the floor of their apartment, surrounded by empty boxes. Together, they began making a list of everything they would need to pack.
那天傍晚，他们坐在公寓的地板上，周围都是空纸箱。他们一起开始列出所有需要打包的东西。
