THREADS OF SILVER

A shadow from the Future

Elizabeth's first day in her medical laboratory science course was overwhelming. The lectures were dense, the labs were demanding, and the pressure was intense. She felt an unrelenting wave of information crashing down on her, making it hard to breathe. After a particularly grueling lecture, she sought solace in the student lounge, her sanctuary amidst the chaos.
As she sank into one of the lounge's worn-out couches, the faint strumming of a guitar reached her ears. The melody was soothing, a stark contrast to the frantic pace of her day. Intrigued, she followed the sound, her curiosity guiding her through the labyrinth of halls.
There, in a secluded corner, was Niho, a tall, charismatic boy completely lost in his music. Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat. She had met Niho online months before coming to this university. Their conversations had been easy and comforting, like old friends reconnecting. When she discovered that they would both be attending the same university, albeit in different courses, a spark of excitement ignited within her.
Seeing Niho in person for the first time felt surreal. He looked up, their eyes meeting, and a smile spread across his face. "Elizabeth," he greeted warmly, his voice as melodic as the tunes he played.
"Niho," she replied, her voice trembling slightly with nerves and excitement. "I didn't expect to run into you here."
"Come, sit," he said, patting the space beside him. She joined him, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. They talked for a while, their conversation flowing naturally, as if they had known each other for years. Niho was studying literature, a world away from the clinical precision of her medical studies. Yet, they found common ground in their shared love for music.
Their first real meeting had been in Niho's small apartment, a cozy space filled with books, musical instruments, and the faint scent of coffee. Elizabeth remembered the warmth of that evening vividly. They had played the guitar together, their voices blending harmoniously as they sang Adele's old songs. It was a night of laughter, music, and deep conversation.
As they reminisced, Elizabeth confided in Niho about her struggles. "This course is so demanding," she admitted, her voice cracking. "I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of expectations."
Niho listened intently, his eyes full of empathy. "I understand," he said softly. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed. But remember, you're not alone in this. You have friends, you have me. And we have music."
Their conversations often took emotional turns, each opening up about their fears and dreams. Elizabeth spoke of the pressure to excel, the relentless pace of her studies, and the isolation she sometimes felt. Niho shared his own challenges, the uncertainty of a future in literature, and the fear of not measuring up to his own expectations.
One evening, as they sat in Niho's apartment, Elizabeth poured her heart out. "Sometimes, I feel like I'm losing myself in all this," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I came here to learn, to grow, but it's so hard to keep going."
Niho reached out, taking her hand in his. "Elizabeth, you're stronger than you know," he whispered. "Every struggle, every challenge is a step towards who you are becoming. And through it all, you have your music, your passion. Let that guide you."