The Gratitude List

With Thanksgiving just days away, the air on campus felt heavier, charged with a mix of anticipation and something harder to define. For me, the holidays always brought a strange feeling, as if I were walking into unfamiliar territory. I wouldn't admit it openly, but there was something about going home that made me feel... out of place. Instead of thinking too much about it, I tried to focus on my classes, though lately, it had been hard to pay attention.

That morning, in Psychology with Professor Wilson, we were given a special assignment: write about someone or something that had positively influenced our lives recently. The professor explained that this exercise wasn't just an opportunity to reflect but also to recognize the small things we often take for granted.

"Sometimes, the people or experiences that impact us the most go unnoticed," Professor Wilson said in her calm tone as she walked between the desks. "This essay is your chance to pause and give them the value they deserve."

As the class began murmuring about possible ideas, I noticed Lindsay leaning toward Olivia with a quiet smile.

"I think I'll dedicate my essay to you two," Lindsay said casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You've both been a really positive influence on me this semester."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, clearly delighted by the idea.

"Really? What an honor! But make sure to include dramatic details, like the day we saved the world from being destroyed by poorly carved pumpkins. It was epic."

Lindsay burst out laughing, but I stayed silent. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the gesture; it's just that writing something like that for a class assignment felt... weird. I'd already accepted that Lindsay and Olivia were important to me, but putting it on paper as if it were a scientific report wasn't exactly my style. Plus, there were other things on my mind—things I preferred not to share with anyone.

"I don't have anything interesting to be grateful for," I muttered, avoiding looking directly at them. My voice was barely a whisper, but Olivia, of course, heard me.

"Of course you do!" she exclaimed, pointing at me with a pencil as if she were a detective solving a case. "For example, you could write about how your heroic silence has saved the group from unnecessary arguments. Or how your mysterious aura intimidates professors into giving us better grades."

I simply snorted, pretending her comment annoyed me, though I couldn't help a small smile. Still, I felt out of place. Lindsay, always observant, noticed my reserved attitude and tried to include me in the conversation.

"Will you miss campus during the break, Sack?" she asked gently, as if making sure I didn't feel pressured.

"I don't know," I replied vaguely, shrugging. "I guess it'll be different being away from here and without you guys, even though we live in the same city. Most likely, I'll be stuck in many business dinners with my father and won't get to see you."

Changing the subject was my specialty, and this time was no exception. I focused on my notes, trying to avoid any further questions. I knew Lindsay was only trying to help, but I wasn't ready to talk about what was really bothering me. I wasn't even sure I could put it into words.

After class, as I gathered my things, I saw Lindsay watching me from afar. She was standing by the window, observing me with that thoughtful expression she always had when something troubled her. I knew she was probably analyzing my behavior, trying to understand what was wrong. Part of me wanted to say something, but the stronger part kept me silent.

I decided to step outside to clear my head a little. Fresh air always helped me think, though this time it didn't seem to work. As I walked, I realized Lindsay was following me discreetly. She didn't say anything at first, just walked beside me, giving me space to process my thoughts.

Just when I thought we were about to have a serious conversation, something completely unexpected happened. A student from another class, tall and with a nervous smile, approached Olivia, who was a few meters behind us. In his hands, he held a carefully folded envelope.

"Hi, Olivia," the guy said, his tone attempting to be casual but betraying his discomfort. "This is for you. It's from... well, someone who prefers to stay anonymous for now."

Olivia looked at him curiously, taking the envelope with a raised eyebrow.

"Anonymous?" she asked, holding the envelope as if it were an ancient relic. "Is this a love letter? A confession? Or maybe an invitation to join a secret pumpkin club?"

The guy turned red and stammered:

"I don't know exactly what it says. I was just asked to deliver it. Well... that's all. See you."

And before Olivia could respond, the guy practically ran off, leaving her with the letter in hand. Olivia looked at Lindsay and me with a mischievous smile.

"Well, this is interesting," she said, opening the envelope dramatically. "Let's see what mystery lies within."

She pulled out a folded sheet of paper and began reading aloud, pretending it was an epic manuscript:

"'Dear Olivia, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were different. Your energy, your creativity, the way you light up any room... you're like a supernova in human form. I'd like to get to know you better. If you ever decide to give this secret admirer a chance, I'll be waiting.'"

Olivia paused, looking up at us with an exaggeratedly solemn expression.

"Did you hear that? A secret admirer! Clearly, they have good taste, but... a supernova? I think they underestimated my true power. I'm more like a black hole: I absorb all attention effortlessly."

Lindsay couldn't help but laugh.

"Seriously? A secret admirer? How many are there so far?"

Olivia pretended to count on her fingers, as if performing a scientific calculation.

"Can you believe it? That's the third guy this week who's tried to flirt with me. Honestly, I don't know what's wrong with them. It must be my magnetic aura."

Lindsay and I exchanged a surprised glance.

"Third guy?" Lindsay asked, incredulous. "How many suitors do you have exactly?"

Olivia pretended to think for a moment, tapping her chin with a finger.

"Oh, I don't know... maybe five or six active ones right now. But if we include those who've tried sending me cryptic messages on Instagram, we're probably up to twelve."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to hide my astonishment.

"Twelve? Seriously?"

"Of course!" Olivia responded proudly. "I'm an unintentional muse. I inspire love without even trying. It's a gift... and a burden."

Lindsay burst out laughing, shaking her head.

"Only you could turn a simple flirtation into an epic saga."

"Exactly," Olivia said with a wink. "Besides, we all know my true love is art. The boys are just extras in my story."

We laughed as we continued walking, leaving the science building behind us.