D-Day: Exams and Celebrations

The day of the final exams had arrived, and although we had studied for weeks, the nervousness was still present. We met early at the campus cafeteria to have breakfast before facing the first exam. Olivia was unusually quiet, which was a clear sign that even she felt some pressure. Sack, on the other hand, was reviewing his notes on his laptop while sipping coffee, and I was trying to focus on my digital flashcards, but my mind kept wandering.

"Are you ready?" Sack finally asked, closing his laptop with a sigh. "Today is the big day."

"Ready isn't the word I'd use," I replied, setting my flashcards aside. "More like… potential survivors."

Olivia let out a short laugh.

"Survivors is perfect. If I make it out of this day alive, I promise never to take another course involving molecules again. I'm sick of carbon atoms staring at me like they want to say something important."

Sack smiled, though his expression remained tense.

"I don't think you can avoid molecules, Olivia. They're part of everything that exists."

"Exactly," she said, pretending to be indignant. "And that's the problem. I don't want them constantly reminding me that I'm just a poorly organized collection of atoms. It's depressing."

We laughed, but Olivia's humor didn't completely dissipate the tension. We knew the day would be long and exhausting.

The first exam was Cellular and Molecular Biology. Although I had studied a lot, I got stuck on a complex question about mitochondria and their role in apoptosis. The question seemed designed specifically to confuse us: How do pro-apoptotic proteins interact with mitochondrial membranes during cellular stress?

For a moment, I panicked. I had reviewed that topic, but now my mind went blank. Then, I remembered something: an interactive diagram Sack had shared days earlier on his iPad. He had explained it in such detail that even Olivia had joked it felt like a science fiction documentary. I recalled how he had highlighted the importance of BAX and BAK proteins in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and that was enough to guide me toward the correct answer.

When I finished the exam, I felt relieved but exhausted. As I left the classroom, I saw Sack waiting for me by the door.

"How did it go?" he asked, with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I think it went well," I replied, smiling weakly. "Your diagram saved me on a question about mitochondria. Thanks for sharing it."

"I'm glad it helped," he said, nodding. "I also used some of your notes on molecular biology. I think we complement each other well."

Olivia appeared behind us, carrying her backpack dramatically.

"Alright, I'm done. Now we just have to hope the gods of biology are merciful. Who wants to grab something to eat before the next exam?"

The second exam was Organic Chemistry, and this time Olivia surprised everyone. She finished first, which wasn't common for her. When we left the classroom, Sack and I exchanged an incredulous look.

"How did you do it?" Sack asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're usually the last one to turn in your exam."

"Oh, it was easy," Olivia responded casually. "I just guessed some answers because they 'sounded right.' Plus, my digital flashcards had pretty colors, so that helped."

"You guessed?" I repeated, incredulous. "Olivia, this is organic chemistry. You can't just guess."

"Of course I can," she said, shrugging. "Life is too short to worry about every functional group. Besides, if I'm wrong, I can always blame the AI that created my flashcards."

Sack and I laughed, unable to contain ourselves.

"You're incredible," I said, shaking my head. "But I hope you're right and the gods of chemistry are merciful with you."

After completing the exams, we decided to celebrate at a nearby park. Olivia volunteered to organize a picnic, assuring us that everything would be under control.

"Don't worry, guys. I'm an expert at improvising parties," she said as she carried an empty basket. "I'll grab some things, and we'll meet there."

Half an hour later, when we arrived at the park, we realized something was off.

"Where's the food?" Sack asked, looking at the empty basket.

"Ah… well, it seems I forgot to bring it," Olivia replied, scratching her head. "But don't worry. We can find alternative snacks."

"Alternative snacks?" I repeated, incredulous. "Olivia, this is a picnic. You're supposed to bring food."

"Details, details," she said, shrugging. "Come on, let's find something. I'm sure there's a hot dog stand nearby."

While Olivia walked away to find food, Sack and I sat on a blanket under a tree. We pulled out our laptops to review our answers from the Biology exam.

"What about this question on mitochondria?" Sack asked, showing me his screen. "I think I answered correctly, but I'm not sure if I mentioned all the key proteins."

"I had trouble with that one too," I replied, leaning closer to him to see better. "But I think you mentioned everything important. Plus, your diagram really helped me."

"I'm glad I was useful," he said, smiling. "Though I think you should write a book about how to survive exams. You have more patience than I do."

"I don't think it would be that interesting," I replied, laughing. "Besides, if anyone writes a book about university life, it should be Olivia. She has enough crazy stories to fill several pages."

At that moment, Olivia returned with a bag of chips and three bottles of water.

"Voilà!" she exclaimed, placing the snacks in front of us. "A feast worthy of champions."

"This is… something," Sack said, trying not to laugh.

"Don't complain," Olivia responded, sitting next to us. "At least I didn't ask you to eat grass."

As we watched the sunset, the atmosphere became calmer. Sack and I unconsciously moved closer, our shoulders lightly brushing against each other. Olivia, sitting across from us with her iPad, pretended not to notice.

"You know," I said, breaking the silence, "I didn't think we'd come this far. This semester has been… intense."

"I know," Sack replied, looking at me. "But I think we've learned a lot. Not just about the courses, but about how to work together."

"And how to survive Olivia," I added, smiling.

"Hey, I'm right here," Olivia said, looking up from her iPad. "And if you're going to get sentimental, warn me so I can put on headphones. Though, to be honest, I could write a book titled How to Survive University with Crazy Friends . It would be a bestseller."

Sack and I laughed, unable to contain ourselves.

"Well, thanks for everything, Olivia," I said, smiling. "Even if you're chaotic, you're part of this."

"You're welcome," she replied, winking at me. "Now, promise me you'll keep putting up with me next term."

"We promise," Sack said, nodding.

As the sun set, I felt a sense of calm and gratitude. Despite the challenges, we had managed to overcome them together.