Reflections at the End of the Term

The afternoon sun shone brightly as we stepped out of the physics building, the fresh air a relief after hours trapped in the classroom. The final exam for Physics 41 — Electricity and Magnetism — had been a challenge for many, but for Sack and me, it had always felt more accessible than other subjects. Olivia, on the other hand, had a peculiar expression on her face.

"So, how did it go?" Olivia asked with her usual confident tone, though something in her smile told me things hadn't gone as smoothly as she wanted to appear.

Sack adjusted his jacket, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Easy. Just apply the right formulas and that's it. Isn't that right, Lindsay?"

I nodded, trying to hold back a laugh as I watched Olivia struggle to maintain her air of superiority.

"Yeah, it wasn't too bad. Though I admit some problems required thinking a bit beyond the basics."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended.

"Beyond the basics? Please, that was a piece of cake. Sure, there were a couple of questions that… well, could have been worded better, but nothing I couldn't handle."

Sack burst out laughing.

"No one said you were a disaster, Olivia. Just that… let's say your strengths lie in other areas."

"Exactly," she replied, regaining her usual energy. "I'm more creative than technical. Besides, you already know my true talent lies in organizing epic events and making strategic decisions. Like, for example, our upcoming vacation."

Olivia quickly changed the subject, as she always did when she wanted to avoid talking about something uncomfortable.

"Speaking of important things, do you guys have everything ready for the vacation? Remember, first we're going to my family's mansion. My parents are excited to meet you."

I paused for a moment, thoughtful.

"Yes, but first I'll spend a few days with my parents. I need to make sure they're okay, and I also want to relax a bit before heading to your place."

Olivia nodded, understanding.

"I get it. And what about you, Sack? What will you do before joining us?"

Sack stayed silent for a moment, his expression turning more serious. I knew this topic was delicate for him. His relationship with his father had always been tense, but lately, he'd been trying to improve it. The letter from his late mother, which had urged him to try to connect with his father, had been a turning point.

"I'll go see my father," he finally said, his tone firm but filled with determination. "I know it won't be easy, but I want to give it a shot. I think it's important to give him a chance."

Olivia and I looked at him with admiration. We knew how much this meant to him.

"That's incredible, Sack," I said, giving him a sincere hug. "I'm proud of you."

Olivia hugged him too, though, as always, she couldn't resist adding a humorous comment.

"Besides, if your dad gives you trouble, just remember you have two friends willing to kidnap him and lock him in a castle until he learns to behave."

Sack shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile.

"Thanks, Olivia. I always know I can count on you to solve any problem in your… unique way."

After our conversation, we decided to head to the end-of-term concert being held on campus. It was an annual tradition, and this time they'd invited a local indie band that played songs resonating with our generation. We sat on the grass, surrounded by other students celebrating the end of another academic term.

"I can't believe how fast this year has gone by," Olivia said, looking around nostalgically. "It feels like just yesterday when we met."

"It's true," I replied, recalling the day in the library when Olivia, lost and unsure of where she was, bumped into us. "Who would've thought that the girl who seemed so lost would end up becoming our best friend?"

Olivia pretended to be offended.

"Hey, I wasn't lost. I was just exploring new routes on campus. Plus, I found unexpected treasures that day: you two."

Sack laughed.

"Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Olivia ignored him and continued.

"This year has been amazing. From our trip to Yosemite, where we took that picture sleeping together on the couch that I posted on Instagram, to our short-lived band that lasted exactly one performance."

"Though we didn't live together back then," added Sack, smiling.

"True," I said, laughing. "But Olivia played the piano incredibly well, Sack rocked the guitar, and I sang. We performed A Bad Dream in front of an audience, and even though it was just once, it was magical."

"And then we disbanded because someone—" Sack glanced at Olivia— "insisted we form an international rock band without having any idea how that worked!"

Olivia rolled her eyes.

"That's not fair! The band formed because I won the pumpkin-carving contest, remember? The prize was that I got to decide what we did for a day without objections from you two. And I decided we should form a band. Sure, we only performed once because afterward everyone went back to their normal lives, but it was epic while it lasted."

Sack nodded, smiling.

"You're right. It was fun while it lasted. Though I still wonder if we really needed to perform in front of all those people."

"Of course we did!" Olivia exclaimed. "That was my decision as the contest winner. Plus, we left an unforgettable impression. I'm sure some of those spectators still talk about us."

She then moved on to recall other adventures.

"And then there's our trip to Switzerland. That was an experience we'll never forget."

"Though we almost froze on that mountain," Sack recalled. "If it weren't for Lindsay, we probably would've ended up lost in the snow."

"And then there's the time we spent at Lindsay's family hospital," Olivia added. "Learning so much in such a short time was exhausting, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences we've had."

"Not to mention the super tough exams," I said, smiling. "According to Olivia, every single one was impossible."

"Hey!" she protested. "I just said some were a little… challenging. But I always managed to pull through. I'm a survivor."

Sack and I laughed, unable to contain ourselves.

"Of course you are, Olivia. A survivor with style."

When the band started playing a famous song about friendship, Olivia jumped to her feet.

"Wait! We can't leave without doing this. It's a tradition!"

"What?" Sack asked, confused.

"Singing this song!" Olivia exclaimed, pointing to the band performing Count on Me by Bruno Mars. "It's perfect for us. Come on, get up."

Sack and I exchanged an amused glance but stood up with her. Olivia began singing at the top of her lungs, and soon Sack and I joined in, laughing as we improvised an off-key but heartfelt version.

By the end of the song, we were out of breath but filled with warmth in our chests.

"That was epic," Olivia said, hugging both of us. "Never forget that no matter what happens, you can always count on me."

Sack nodded, smiling.

"I feel the same way. We're a team, and we always will be."