Chapter 35: Reconciliation

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Five days before Sydney's departure to LA, back at the U of M Campus

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Five days before Sydney's departure to LA, back at the U of M Campus.

"So, we used the funds you guys requested to replace the camera Vito accidentally broke during your short film project. I've just found out you must've wrapped it up already." President Madeline is sitting beside me; we are sitting and talking together on the bench near the entrance of Michigan Union in a breathtaking early afternoon.

I just quirk a disbelieving brow and blinked, momentarily taken aback by the news. "Oh, that's cool. Thanks."

Then, after a brief pause, I turned to her and asked with a low voice, "Do you have any idea about Vito's situation? Being brought to forced labor by his foster parents? I think he's suffering too much."

Madeline's brow furrowed. "I had no idea about that. Forced labor? That sounds awful."

"Yeah, it's been on my mind a lot. I wish there was something we could do," I said, my thoughts drifting to Vito's defeated expression.

Trying to shift the conversation to lighter topics, I asked, "So, what are your plans for the summer? Summer break or semester?"

Madeline's face lit up, and she leaned back on the bench, looking a bit more relaxed. "I'll spend my summer vacation in Korea with my family and friends. I also have another two friends - one from Vietnam and one from Philippines - will be joining us there too."

I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "Wow, that sounds pretty grand. Lucky you, getting to relax while I'll be swamped."

She gave me an intrigued look. "Swamped with what?"

"New York, my internship," I replied, a hint of pride in my voice. "I'll be interning at Fleur de Lens."

Madeline's eyes widened, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible, bro! You're ahead of the game. Not many students get an opportunity like that."

I shrugged, trying to downplay it, but I couldn't hide the small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Yeah, I guess. It's gonna be a lot of work, though."

Madeline leaned closer, a teasing smile on her face. "And what about your budding, lovey-dovey Sydney? How's that going?"

I looked away for a moment, my mind flashing back to our last encounter. "She's... well, she'll be taking the opposite coast," I replied simply, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Madeline raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, I hope everything works out for you both. You two seem good together." There was more to the story than I was willing to share at that moment.

I didn't say anything, just nodded in response, feeling the weight of those words as I prepared myself for what was to come.

***

I decided to have a quiet stroll at Felch Park. A minute later, I pulled out my phone, hesitating for a moment before typing out a message to Sydney.

Paris: Hey, where are you?

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