Quiet Days at the Hart Estate

Several weeks had passed since Olivia's epic party, and although the memory of that night was still fresh in my mind, life at the Hart Estate had become much more relaxed. August was coming to an end, and with it, summer was slowly bidding us farewell. The mornings were cool, the afternoons warm but not stifling, and the starry nights provided the perfect backdrop for long conversations and uncontrollable laughter.

From my perspective, the Hart Estate was like a little universe of its own. With its green meadows, tree-lined paths, and a pool that looked like it had been pulled straight from a luxury catalog, there was something magical about this place. But what truly made it special wasn't the opulence or extravagant details—it was the company. Sack, Olivia, Ellie, and I spent almost all our time together, enjoying this calm before the academic routine reclaimed us. And, of course, Charlotte, Ellie's younger sister, was always nearby, adding her touch of innocence and joy to every moment.

One particularly sunny morning, we gathered on the main terrace, where a long table was covered with fresh food: tropical fruits, natural juices, artisanal bread, and steaming coffee. Olivia was already seated, scrolling through her phone while eating a slice of melon. Her hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her expression was as lively as ever.

"Did you know there's a study that says people who have breakfast together are happier?" Olivia said, looking up from her phone with a mischievous smile.

Ellie rolled her eyes.

"Olivia, do you really think anyone believes you when you quote studies like that?"

I watched as Olivia pretended to be offended, placing a hand over her heart.

"Of course it's real! I read it online. Plus, it makes sense. Look how much fun we're having here."

Sack chimed in, taking a sip of coffee.

"If that study were true, you'd be the happiest person in the world because you always insist we have breakfast together."

Everyone laughed, including Charlotte, who was busy building a tower out of fruit chunks. She proudly held up her creation.

"Look at this!" she exclaimed. "It's a pineapple castle!"

Olivia clapped dramatically.

"Impressive, Charlotte. You should consider a career in architecture. Or maybe interior design… although personally, I think the castle needs more diamonds."

Charlotte looked confused.

"Diamonds?"

Olivia nodded with absolute seriousness.

"Of course. Every castle worthy of the name must have diamonds embedded. It's basic."

I couldn't help but laugh and ruffle Charlotte's hair.

"Don't listen to Olivia. Your castle is perfect just the way it is."

Charlotte smiled widely, though she then looked at Olivia with curiosity.

"And why do you need diamonds in a castle?"

I watched as Olivia made a grandiose gesture with her hands.

"Because they reflect light spectacularly, obviously. Imagine how your castle would shine under the sun."

Sack shook his head, amused.

"Only you, Olivia, could turn a pineapple castle into a discussion about diamonds."

Olivia placed a hand over her heart, pretending to be offended.

"It's not my fault if I have refined aesthetic sensibilities."

After breakfast, we decided to spend the afternoon by the pool. It was one of those days when the heat invited you to submerge yourself in cool water and forget about the world for a while. Olivia, of course, had brought a giant inflatable flamingo, which she claimed was "the centerpiece of any pool experience."

"This flamingo isn't just a float," she declared as she inflated it. "It's a lifestyle statement."

I heard Ellie snort.

"A lifestyle statement? Seriously?"

Olivia nodded solemnly.

"Absolutely. It represents freedom, elegance, and a touch of madness. Just like me."

We all laughed, but no one could deny that Olivia had a point. The pink flamingo floated majestically in the water, and she attempted to climb onto it with the grace of a queen… or at least that was the idea. In reality, she slipped twice before managing it, which earned her a round of sarcastic applause from us.

Meanwhile, Charlotte splashed around in the shallow end, trying to catch floating leaves with a plastic net.

"I'm saving fish!" she announced, completely absorbed in her task.

I smiled from my spot next to Sack, both of us sitting on the edge of the pool.

"You're a hero, Charlotte. Without you, these fish would be lost."

Charlotte nodded seriously.

"Exactly. Someone has to do the job."

I watched as Olivia, still on her flamingo, decided to intervene.

"You should patent this fish rescue method. You could call it 'Operation Aquatic Lifesaver.' We could even make T-shirts."

Ellie splashed a small wave toward Olivia.

"Does everything have to be a business with you?"

Olivia laughed.

"Not everything, but admit it: it would be epic."

When night fell, we sat in the backyard, surrounded by hanging lanterns and soft blankets. The breeze was gentle, and the sky was filled with stars. From where I sat, I watched as everyone relaxed, letting time seem to stand still. Conversations flowed effortlessly.

"Have you ever thought about what you'd change about the world if you could?" Ellie asked after a few minutes of contemplative silence.

Olivia responded immediately.

"I'd install ice cream delivery drones on every corner of the planet. That way, no one would have to wait more than five minutes to get their favorite dessert."

Everyone laughed, but I saw Sack take the question more seriously.

"I think I'd like to find a way to make education accessible to everyone. There shouldn't be barriers to learning."

I nodded, visibly moved by his response.

"That's beautiful, Sack. I'd join you in that project."

Charlotte raised her hand, as if she were in class.

"Can I say something?"

Olivia smiled.

"Of course, little one. This is an open forum."

Charlotte leaned forward, her expression solemn.

"I'd make all animals talk. That way, we'd know what they're thinking, and we could be better friends."

Ellie stroked her sister's hair.

"That's a wonderful idea, Char. Though imagine what some cats would say… they'd probably scold us constantly."

We all laughed, imagining the scene.

"No matter what we'd change," I continued, gazing at the sky, "I think the important thing is to remember that even small gestures can have a big impact. Like Sophia, Olivia's mom, said: even small things can shine if we take good care of them."

I watched as Olivia smiled, clearly proud of the reflection.

"Well said, Lindsay. I guess even my pink flamingo has something to teach us."

Sack raised an eyebrow.

"What could a pink flamingo possibly teach us?"

Olivia glared at him.

"That you should always stand out, no matter the circumstances."

As August came to an end, I knew we'd soon have to return to our routines. But for now, we were grateful for these quiet days at the Hart Estate. Every conversation, every shared laugh, and every moment of connection reminded us how valuable it was to have people with whom to share our lives.

That night, as Sack and I stayed on the terrace, looking out at the moonlit horizon, I rested my head against his shoulder.

"It's been an incredible summer," I said, feeling a wave of gratitude.

Sack nodded.

"Definitely. But the best part hasn't been the place or the activities—it's been the people."

I smiled, feeling deeply fortunate.

"That's true. No matter where we go or what we do, it's always them who make the moments special."

With that, we headed off to rest, knowing that although summer was ending, the memories of these days would stay with us forever.