Chapter 1
University life has a rhythm to it: the endless assignments, group projects that never seem to end, and the ever-looming deadline for the next exam. My life is all about staying on top of it. I don’t have much choice.
At 22, I’ve learned to manage it all-studies, work, and keeping my head above water. There’s no room for distractions. Not when I’m trying to finish my degree in one piece.
I take a sip of coffee as I slide into my seat in the lecture hall, glancing around to see a few familiar faces. My best friend, Zendaya , is sitting a few rows ahead. I give her a quick wave before pulling out my notes. My other best friend, Matthew , isn’t here yet. He’s probably still asleep or lost in his usual mess of last-minute cramming.
I lean back in my seat and try to focus on the lecture, but my mind keeps wandering. It’s only five days until my 23rd birthday, and the thought of turning another year older is a little unsettling. It feels like I’m still stuck in a time loop, trying to figure out where my life is going.
I’m still not sure what I want to do once I graduate. There’s this weight on my chest every time I think about it. People expect you to have it all figured out, but sometimes, I don’t even know what I want for lunch, let alone my future.
The professor’s voice fades into the background as I think about the strange mix of emotions that have been clouding my mind lately. I used to feel... secure. But over the last few months, things have felt off. I can’t explain it.
A sudden voice beside me snaps me out of my thoughts.
“Hey, you alright?”
I turn to find Matthew standing next to me, his usual grin plastered on his face. Matthew is like a whirlwind, never letting anything or anyone slow him down. I can’t help but smile back.
“Yeah, just thinking about life,” I reply, glancing at the clock. “And the fact that I’m turning 23 in five days. Ugh.”
Matthew laughs, taking his seat beside me. “You’re only getting older. Not that bad, right?” He gives me a playful nudge, and I laugh, despite myself.
“Easy for you to say. You’re still acting like you’re 18,” I tease.
“I’m just young at heart,” he says, raising his hands in defense. “Besides, you’ll be fine. You’ve got it all together. Don’t stress.”
I look over at Zendaya , who’s scribbling down notes furiously. She glances up and catches my eye, giving me an exaggerated thumbs-up.
I roll my eyes at her and turn back to Matthew. “You think so? It doesn’t feel like it.”
He shrugs, his usual carefree demeanor in full force. “Well, what’s the worst that could happen? You’re smart, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You’ll figure it out.”
For a moment, I try to push the unease aside. Matthew is right, after all. I’ve always been someone who figures things out in the end. But lately, there’s this nagging feeling that something is missing. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it, like I always do.
The professor starts speaking again, and I glance over at Zendaya , who looks like she’s already in her zone.
Maybe things are fine. Maybe I’m just overthinking.
But five days... that’s all I have before everything changes.
