CHAPTER 1
“Mom, you know I’m really bad at Physics, right?”
Olivia sighed dramatically as she pushed her half-empty dessert bowl away from her. Across from her, her mother looked up from her coffee with amused eyes.
It was already past dinner, and the warm atmosphere inside their dining room usually comforted Liv after long days at school.
Usually.
But not tonight.
Tonight, Physics existed.
And unfortunately for her, Physics seemed determined to ruin her college life.
Her mother leaned back slightly in her chair. “Of course I know that. You’ve been complaining about Physics since the semester started.”
“Because it’s evil.”
Her mother laughed softly. “It’s not evil. You just don’t like it.”
“I don’t just dislike it, Mom. I think the subject personally hates me.”
That made her mother laugh even harder.
Liv rested her chin dramatically on the table and groaned.
“Why does everything in Physics need computation? Why are there so many formulas? Why are letters suddenly numbers? Why is gravity attacking me emotionally?”
“Olivia.”
“I’m serious.”
“You’re being dramatic again.”
Liv frowned before grabbing her spoon and poking at her dessert.
Okay, maybe she was being dramatic.
A little.
But Physics truly exhausted her.
No matter how hard she studied, the equations never stayed in her head long enough. Every time she thought she finally understood something, another formula appeared and destroyed her confidence all over again.
Meanwhile, her classmates solved problems like they were answering simple math exercises in elementary school.
Especially David.
Unfortunately.
David Hernandez.
Top student.
Dean’s Lister.
Future engineer.
And the reason Liv suddenly became extra aware of her academic struggles.
It was honestly unfair how someone could solve difficult equations while looking annoyingly attractive at the same time.
“Mom,” Liv called again, this time more softly.
“Hm?”
“Do you think Dad would agree if I ask for a tutor?”
Her mother’s expression immediately gentled.
“A tutor?”
Liv nodded slowly.
“I don’t want to fall behind anymore.” She lowered her eyes toward the table. “Most of my classmates already have one. I’ve really been trying my best, Mom, but…” She sighed quietly. “Physics is just too hard for me.”
For a moment, silence settled between them.
Not the uncomfortable kind.
The comforting kind.
The kind Liv always felt around her mother.
Her mother reached for her hand across the table and squeezed it gently.
“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, sweetheart.”
Liv looked up.
“You really think so?”
“Of course.” Her mother smiled warmly. “You’re already doing your part by studying hard. Sometimes we just need guidance from someone who understands the subject better.”
Liv’s shoulders relaxed slightly after hearing that.
Honestly, she had been nervous to ask.
Her father believed strongly in independence and discipline. While he was never harsh toward her, he always encouraged her to solve problems on her own first before asking for assistance.
Which was exactly what Liv had been doing for months now.
And clearly—
it was not working.
“I’ll talk to your father when he comes home from his business trip,” her mother continued.
Instantly, Liv straightened in her seat.
“Really?”
Her mother chuckled at her sudden excitement. “Really.”
“Oh my gosh. Thank you, Mom.”
“But no celebrating yet. Your father still needs to agree.”
Liv pressed her palms together dramatically.
“Please convince him.”
Her mother laughed. “You make it sound like I’m negotiating a peace treaty.”
“Well, this is serious.”
“Mm-hm.”
“I’m fighting for my survival.”
This time, even Liv laughed at herself.
A few moments later, her mother stood up and began collecting the dishes from the table.
Liv immediately stood as well.
“I’ll help.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I know.”
She carried several plates carefully toward the sink while her mother watched her with proud eyes.
Ever since Liv was little, her mother made sure she learned how to do household chores properly.
Not because they lacked help.
But because her mother believed that knowing how to work for yourself was important no matter how comfortable life became someday.
“Never depend completely on money,” her mother used to tell her. “Life changes. Skills stay.”
So even now, despite being a second-year college student drowning in Physics formulas and emotional suffering, Olivia still knew how to clean, wash dishes, do laundry, and cook simple meals.
Though honestly—
none of those skills could save her from Physics.
After placing the last plate inside the sink, Liv sighed heavily again.
Her mother glanced sideways at her.
“You’re thinking about your homework again, aren’t you?”
“…Maybe.”
“Liv.”
“What if I fail?”
“You won’t.”
“But what if I do?”
Her mother wiped her hands on a towel before facing her fully.
“Olivia.”
The serious tone immediately caught Liv’s attention.
“You are not lazy. You are not irresponsible. You are struggling because you genuinely find the subject difficult, and there’s a difference.”
Liv swallowed quietly.
“And struggling doesn’t make you stupid.”
Something inside her chest softened after hearing that.
Because honestly?
That had been her biggest fear lately.
Watching everyone else understand lessons faster than her sometimes made her question herself.
Her abilities.
Her intelligence.
Even her confidence.
Her mother stepped closer and brushed Liv’s hair behind her ear gently.
“You’re trying your best. That already says a lot about your character.”
Liv smiled faintly.
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Now go finish your homework before you start another dramatic speech about gravity ruining your life.”
Liv gasped. “It really is ruining my life.”
Her mother laughed again.
And somehow—
for the first time in days—
thinking about Physics didn’t feel quite as hopeless anymore.
