When Stars Align

1: Elevators are for quitters

EMERY
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My fingers clenched around the steering wheel as I drew into the college parking lot. After switching off the engine, the soft sound of falling leaves replaced the car's low hum in the afternoon breeze. For a minute, I just sat there, gazing at the familiar brick buildings ahead. They had not changed, although I had.

I exhaled deeply, felt the weight of it rattle against my chest, and reached for the latch. My palm trembled, an uneasy reminder of how frail my body was. The sun felt warm on my face as I went outside, and I adjusted my scarf to cover the persistent rash on my cheek, even though the campus was virtually deserted.

The trunk creaked as I opened it, the sound reverberating around the vacant lot. I started unpacking my luggage, each one heavier than the previous one, but I was determined to transport them all in one trip. The tenacity that had gotten me through my toughest times was kicking in, saying that I didn't need help. Not now, or ever. However, a sharp pain went through my wrist as I flung my bag over my shoulder, and I nearly dropped it.

"Damn it," I muttered under my breath, as my annoyance burned in the back of my throat. I stopped and made myself take a deep breath. Just one step at a time, I told myself. It was a mantra that had gotten me through some really difficult times.

The university loomed before me, each stone and window a reminder of the life I had put on hold. The life I was eager to recapture. My phone vibrated.

I hesitated and took out my phone, half expecting to see a flood of missed calls or texts from my parents. But it was Jane's name that lit up the screen, and her message appeared as if she knew I was there.

Jane: Welcome back, Em! You made it! ❤️

I couldn't help but grin as her words broke through the worried knot in my chest. Jane could always make things feel ideal. I typed a hasty answer, my fingers working quicker than my mind.

Me: Thank you, Jane. I'm finally here. I'll drop by the studio later.

Her response was quick.

Jane: Cannot wait! I have something to show you. You will adore it!

I placed my phone back into my pocket, a smile remaining on my lips. The buildings in front of me appeared to welcome me back, their red bricks shimmering in the sunlight. Freshman year recollections pushed at the corners of my consciousness. The late-night study sessions, the laughter ringing down the halls, the fantasies that seemed so real. I had left so much behind when I had to leave, but now I was returning to continue where I had left off.

I grabbed my last bag, closed the trunk with a gratifying thump, and took a big breath.

My phone rang and vibrated in my pocket as I walked toward the dorms. I glanced at the screen. Mom. My stomach turned. I knew what was coming.

"Hey, Mom," I said, holding my duffel bag against my hip.

"Emery, darling. You're on campus now, right? Did you take everything out of the car? Remember not to overwork yourself."

"Yes, Mom. I'm here," I said. "I have it under control."

"Good. Just make sure you're pacing yourself, okay? Do not forget to take your medications and get plenty of rest. And, Emery, if you feel—"

"Mom," I interrupted, more harshly than I intended. "I am fine. I got this. Really."

There was a delay on the other end, which made my chest clench. "I know you do," she replied, but I could sense the skepticism beneath. "I just worry, that's all."