Chapter 1
"Are you done yet, bro? I need to get my shower too!" That’s my housemate and best friend, yelling from the other side of the door. You know how it is—I always take my own sweet time in the shower. It’s the only place where I can reflect on my thoughts, have imaginary arguments, audition for singing competitions, and dance, all in peace! But today, my girl’s usual patience has run out—her water heater broke down.
"Almost done! Hold on!" I replied, quickly wrapping myself in a towel and stepping out of the bathroom. She stood there with a furious expression.
"Remind me again why you're my best friend out of 7 billion people in this world?" she asked, clearly exasperated.
I had to confess—we’ve known each other since I was 16, and she’s two years older. "Fate, my dear. You had no choice. Now go get your shower, you're running late!" I said, picking out an outfit for the day. After some deliberation, I settled on a black top and skinny jeans. Simple and comfortable, just the way I like it. I gave my face a light touch-up with some powder and applied my trusty Nivea lip balm. Brushing my long wavy hair, which I always admired, I tied it up in a loose bun. Satisfied with my look, I grabbed my bag and headed out of the room.
In the kitchen, I started preparing breakfast for both of us. I poured myself a glass of cold Goodday full cream milk and turned on the coffee maker for my friend. She needs her coffee to function in the morning, especially since we were up late last night, chilling with Somersby. As I munched on some homemade chocolate chip cookies, I was interrupted by her frantic voice.
"Oh shit, I’m late!" she muttered, checking her stylish Chanel watch—honestly, I love that watch. Rhea’s always punctual, but last night’s late night had clearly thrown her off schedule.
"Relax, you still have time. Here, your coffee. Thank me later." I handed her the cup, taking a moment to admire her outfit—a white blouse, blazer, and knee-length skirt. Knowing her, she’d pair it with closed-toe heels.
"Ele, you're the best coffee maker ever. Thank you for saving my day," she said with a grateful smile, sipping her coffee.
"Stop buttering me up and finish your coffee. Hurry before you're doomed, Rhea!" Her face went pale as she realized she had a meeting with a client this morning. Rhea’s a senior logistics manager, and she always ends up working with undeniably hot bachelors. I envy her for that, though I constantly tell her to go for it. But this goody-two-shoes never listens.
"Alright, munchkin, I'll see you later. Have a great day!" she called as she started up her favorite red Mini Cooper and sped off to work. I quickly rinsed the cups, grabbed my bag from the couch, locked up the house, and headed out to campus in my Swift.
Arriving at campus, I checked my watch—still early enough to meet my supervisor. I’m in my last semester, pursuing a master’s degree in Philosophy of Mind and Psychology. I've always been curious about the reasons behind everything, especially how the human mind works. That’s why I chose this program. I’m hoping to get into lecturing, so I asked my supervisor for a recommendation letter, and she emailed back, asking me to stop by her office this morning. I’m quite attached to Prof. Kenna—she’s never failed to guide me.
After checking my watch one last time, I knocked on her office door. "Come in," she called out. I stepped inside, and Prof. Kenna greeted me with a warm smile, signaling me to sit.
"Good morning, Professor," I greeted her.
"Good morning, Adele. Nice to see you. By the way, I reviewed your thesis—it was outstanding." Relief washed over me. The struggle had been real.
"Thank you, Professor. I owe it to you. You’ve been such a great supervisor," I replied, shamelessly praising her—she deserved it. She handed me an envelope.
"This is for you," she said.
Hesitantly, I took the envelope and unsealed it. Holy God! It was the recommendation letter I had been hoping for.
"Oh my God, thank you so much, Professor! This means the world to me," I exclaimed, nearly jumping out of my seat in excitement. Prof. Kenna, used to my antics, just chuckled. After thanking her, I left the office, grinning from ear to ear—until I noticed my phone buzzing. It was Rhea—four missed calls and a text message.
'Guess who I saw!'
