The End of an Unforgettable Journey

Six days had passed since we arrived in Zurich, and the city already felt like a second home. We had explored every corner: the old town with its cobblestone streets, the serene lake, the luxury shops on Bahnhofstrasse, and even the summit of Uetliberg. Olivia had turned her initial three suitcases into six, filled with souvenirs, extravagant clothes, and things she would probably never use but insisted were "essential." It was impossible not to laugh at her as she dragged all those suitcases through the hotel, muttering something about needing a personal assistant.

But today was special. Today was December 31st, and we decided to celebrate together in our hotel suite. We didn't want anything too elaborate, just a small party between the three of us to close out the year in the best way possible. We bought a few bottles of wine and champagne, lit candles, and played soft music in the background. The view from the balcony showed the lights of Zurich shining under a dark sky, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect.

Olivia was the first to liven up the party. After a few glasses, she was belting out popular songs that none of us remembered perfectly, but it didn't matter. Her voice echoed through the room, off-key but full of enthusiasm. I joined her, laughing as I tried to keep up. Sack also sang, though he did so more moderately, as if enjoying the moment without needing to exaggerate.

—It's official! —Olivia shouted, raising her glass—. This is the best New Year's Eve of my life. And it's not even midnight yet!

—I think the wine is affecting you more than usual —I joked, taking another sip.

—On the contrary, the wine helps me see the truth —she responded dramatically, pointing at me with her index finger—. And the truth is, we're amazing.

Sack burst out laughing.

—If you say so...

The night continued like that, with laughter, poorly sung songs, and deep conversations that arose when least expected. At some point, we sat on the balcony, wrapped in blankets, looking at the city lights and talking about everything and nothing.

When the clock struck midnight, the sky erupted in fireworks. The sound of explosions and vibrant colors lit up the night, and we fell silent for a few seconds, simply watching. It was a magical moment, one of those you know you'll remember forever.

After hugging each other and wishing a happy new year, I took my phone to call my parents. It wasn't a formal family tradition, but I always liked talking to them during important moments. They answered on the second ring, and hearing their voices made me feel nostalgic.

—Happy New Year, sweetheart —my mom said tenderly—. How are things in Zurich?

—Amazing, Mom —I replied, smiling—. I miss you guys so much, but this trip has been wonderful.

My dad joined the conversation, wishing me the best for the new year. We talked for a few minutes before saying goodbye with promises to see each other soon.

Olivia, on the other hand, decided to make a group video call with her entire family. She spent almost half an hour talking to each of them, telling exaggerated stories about the trip and making jokes that only she understood. From where I was, I could hear the laughter of her cousins and uncles on the other end of the line. It was clear that, despite her sarcastic comments about her family, Olivia adored them deeply.

Sack, however, remained more reserved. I saw him quickly type a message on his phone and then put it back in his pocket. I assumed it was for his father, so I didn't ask. I knew how complicated his relationship with him was. A few minutes later, his phone vibrated. He read the message and nodded slightly, as if he had expected exactly that brief and cold response.

—Everything okay? —I asked softly, approaching him.

—Yeah —he replied, though his tone said otherwise—. It's just… the usual.

I didn't press further. I knew Sack preferred to keep his emotions to himself, especially when it came to his father. But I also knew that, little by little, he was learning to open up more with us.

The next day, we woke up late. Very late. It was almost 5 p.m. when I finally managed to open my eyes, feeling a constant pounding in my head. I got up slowly and found Olivia sprawled on the couch, wrapped in a blanket with an expression of defeat on her face.

—I'm never drinking again —she muttered, covering her eyes with one arm—. This is worse than any exam at Stanford.

Sack appeared a few minutes later, looking just as tired but with an ironic smile.

—I told you not to mix so much wine with champagne.

We laughed weakly before ordering food for dinner. As we ate, we started talking about the trip and what it meant to each of us.

—It's been incredible —Olivia said, playing with her fork—. But I feel like we've barely scratched the surface of Switzerland. We've only been to Zurich. We haven't even seen the Alps up close!

—You're right —I added—. There's so much to explore here. But I think this trip was more than just seeing places. It was… different.

Sack nodded thoughtfully.

—That's true. This trip has changed us in some way. I don't know how to explain it, but I feel like we're more connected now.

Olivia raised her glass of water (no alcohol this time).

—To new beginnings, then. And to our next adventures.

We toasted, even if it was just with water, and stayed silent for a moment, reflecting on what lay ahead.

We decided that, before returning to Stanford, we would make one last effort to see more of Switzerland. The next day, we boarded the Glacier Express, a panoramic train famous for offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. According to the information I found, the train covers a distance of approximately 291 kilometers between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing bridges, tunnels, and postcard-like landscapes.

During the ride, we sat by the window, awestruck by the beauty of the scenery. The snow-capped peaks, green valleys, and picturesque villages looked like they were taken straight out of a fairy tale. Olivia couldn't stop taking photos with her phone, capturing every detail as if she wanted to take it all with her.

Meanwhile, Sack took out his new camera and began photographing the landscape with the precision of a professional. I watched as he adjusted the lenses, searched for the perfect angle, and captured each moment with a concentration that seemed to transport him to another world. There was something deeply captivating about the way he worked, as if every click of the camera was an extension of his own soul.

I watched him tenderly as he leaned toward the window to capture a bridge stretching over a deep valley.

—You know —I said, leaning closer to him—, you should hold an exhibition with these photos. They're incredible.

Sack smiled, lowering the camera for a moment.

—Thanks. I think this trip has given me a new perspective. I never thought I'd find so much beauty in a place so different from home.

—That's because you have an eye for details —Olivia chimed in, joining the conversation—. Although, of course, I also have an eye for details. That's why I bought so many things.

We all laughed, and for a moment, it felt like everything was in balance.

—This is what we were missing —Olivia said finally, resting her head against the seat—. Now I can say we really got to know a bit of Switzerland.

I nodded, feeling a mix of satisfaction and nostalgia. I knew this trip was coming to an end, but I also knew the experiences we lived here would stay etched in our memories forever.

When the train reached its destination, we said goodbye to Switzerland with one last look at the Alps. We would return to Stanford in a few days, ready to face whatever the new term had in store for us.