Unexpected Reactions

Even though I was excited to go home, something kept distracting me. Sack had been acting strangely lately, as if he were dealing with something he didn't want to share. I knew he lived in the same city as me, but I couldn't help wondering if something related to his family was worrying him. Olivia, on the other hand, remained a whirlwind of creative energy, as if the holidays were the perfect opportunity to plan extravagant projects. Despite everything, our days together on campus were coming to an end, and I wanted to make sure we finished this semester in the best way possible.

That morning, in Chemistry with Professor Thompson, we received the final project of the semester: a practical demonstration of exothermic chemical reactions. The team consisted of me, Sack, and Olivia, who had very different ideas about how to approach the experiment.

"We should meticulously follow the instructions in the manual," I suggested while reviewing the textbook pages. "We can't risk making mistakes when we're so close to the end."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, clearly delighted at the idea of doing the exact opposite.

"Meticulously? Where's the fun in that?" she retorted with a mischievous smile. "Science is like poetry, Lindsay. It needs passion, emotion... and maybe a little drama!"

Sack, as always, remained silent, watching us from his usual distance. I knew he'd probably prefer to stay out of any creative conflict between Olivia and me, but I also knew his opinions were valuable when he decided to share them.

"I don't think Professor Thompson will appreciate our 'scientific drama' if we end up setting the lab on fire," I responded, trying to stay calm.

"Relax, Lindsay," Olivia said, waving a hand as if my concerns were insignificant. "Great discoveries are born from chaos. Besides, what's life without a little risk? Imagine we're pioneers on an epic chemical expedition!"

Before I could stop her, Olivia had already added an extra ingredient to the compound we were preparing. The mixture began bubbling uncontrollably, quickly spilling over the edges of the flask.

"Olivia!" I exclaimed, horrified, as I tried to remove the flask from the heat. "This wasn't part of the plan!"

Professor Thompson appeared immediately, his stern expression making even Olivia feel a little guilty.

"What's going on here?" he asked, looking at the mess with a raised eyebrow.

I tried to apologize, but Olivia simply smiled and said:

"It's a tribute to the great failed experiments of history, Professor! We were exploring new scientific horizons."

Professor Thompson shook his head, visibly frustrated.

"Exploring is fine, but within established limits. Clean it all up before continuing."

As we cleaned up the mess alongside our friends, I reflected on how the dynamics between us always managed to balance out, even in the midst of chaos. Olivia was the creative chaos, I tried to maintain order, and Sack... well, Sack was the silent anchor that kept everything together. However, I noticed he still seemed distant and worried. I decided I needed to talk to him before classes ended.

After class, as we gathered our things, I suggested something that had been on my mind for a few days.

"We should do something special before we leave for the holidays," I proposed, looking at both of them. "Maybe a group dinner or a small celebration."

Olivia responded enthusiastically, as expected.

"We could organize a mini Thanksgiving-themed party! With costumes, games, and epic food. We could even record everything to create a modern family documentary."

Sack remained silent, confirming my suspicions that something was bothering him. I decided to pull him aside while Olivia was distracted organizing her materials.

"Sack, are you okay?" I asked softly, placing a hand on his arm. "You've been distant lately. If something's worrying you, you can tell me."

Sack sighed, avoiding my gaze for a moment before speaking. His voice was low, almost a whisper, but filled with an emotion he rarely let out.

"My dad found something a few days ago," he finally said, his eyes fixed on the floor. "It's a letter my mom wrote before she died. He was going to give it to me on my birthday, but then the accident happened, and now he decided to hand it over. I haven't read it yet because... I don't know how to face it."

My heart stopped for a second. I couldn't imagine how difficult it must be to face something like that, especially when the emotions were probably confusing and contradictory. I felt a lump in my throat, but I tried to stay calm to be there for him.

"And what are you thinking of doing?" I asked gently, giving him space to continue if he wanted.

Sack shook his head, as if he didn't know where to start.

"I don't know. My dad has the letter at home, but... every time I think about reading it, I feel like it's going to reopen old wounds. I don't know if I'm ready to face whatever it might say."

His voice trembled slightly, and for the first time, I saw a vulnerability in him that he had never shown before. I moved a little closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"You don't have to have all the answers right now," I told him tenderly. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. Whatever you find in that letter, you don't have to face it alone."

Sack nodded slightly, though his eyes were still full of doubts. Finally, he looked up at me, and for a moment, I felt like he was letting me into a place he usually kept closed.

"Thanks, Lindsay," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I don't know what I'd do without you and Olivia. You guys are... my anchor."

His words caught me by surprise, but they also filled me with warmth. I had rarely heard Sack express his feelings like that, and though I knew he still had a lot to process, I felt this moment was important for him.

Just as we thought the moment was over, Olivia burst in with one of her usual extravagant gestures.

"Guys! Before we leave, I want each of you to have this," she said, handing us small vials with remnants of the failed experiment. "They're 'scientific souvenirs.' To remember this glorious day of creative chaos."

I burst out laughing, accepting the vial with a smile.

"Thanks, Olivia. It's... unique."

Sack tucked the vial into his backpack without saying anything, though a small smile betrayed his apparent indifference.

"And remember," Olivia added dramatically, "we need to have a group video call every day during the holidays. No one gets to be alone during Thanksgiving. It's a rule!"

We laughed as we left the lab, leaving behind the chaos of the last class. Though our vacations were about to temporarily separate us, I knew moments like this would keep us connected, no matter the distance.