Silent Notes

Chapter Fourteen: Between Dreams and Memories

Nastasia nestled into a cozy corner of the university museum café, surrounded by vibrant artwork and historical artifacts that sparked her creativity. The soft chatter of students mingled with the clinking of mugs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Across the table sat her best friend, Sofia, engrossed in her notes, while Nastasia flipped through her textbook, trying to absorb the complexities of her major.

"Did you see the latest exhibit in the design wing?" Sofia asked, her eyes lighting up.

Nastasia raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. "Are we really going to get excited about furniture now?"

"Excuse me! It's interior design, thank you very much!" Sofia shot back, playfully dramatic as always. "It's not just furniture. It's art! Like, the flow of space and how it makes you feel."

Nastasia smirked, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. But do you really think I'm going to go crazy over chairs and coffee tables?"

"Girl, it's more than chairs! It's life-changing!" Sofia grinned, flipping her hair dramatically. "You don't understand until you've experienced the vibe."

"Fine, fine," Nastasia replied, laughing. "I guess it could be interesting. But only if we can grab snacks afterward!"

"Deal!" Sofia said with a flourish. "I need to fuel up for this brain overload."

As they laughed, Nastasia couldn't help but reflect on how much life had changed since graduation. It felt almost amusing to think how worried she used to be over school quizzes and grades, and how that one bad grade felt like the end of the world. Now, here she was, thriving in a place far more challenging-and yet, more rewarding.

University life had transformed her. No longer the shy girl hiding in the shadows, she embraced challenges head-on. Group projects that once filled her with dread now excited her, and she thrived in collaborative environments. Conversations flowed more easily, and her laughter blended with the chatter around her.

Surprisingly, she had found herself studying her favourite major, something that still filled her with awe. She couldn't believe she was actually doing it. One day, all the stress and hard work would be an achievement she'd look back on with pride. University life wasn't easy, but it was worth the hassle, far better than school had ever been.

Yet, amidst her growth, the feelings for Asher lingered like a soft echo in her heart. They attended different universities, both pursuing their dreams. She often found herself lost in thought, recalling the warmth of their fleeting conversations.

Sipping her coffee, Nastasia's thoughts drifted to the pile of papers in her room-among them lay the unsent letter, a confession of her feelings she never dared to finish. It was a piece of her heart hidden away, buried beneath the weight of her busy life.

Just then, a quote she had stumbled upon floated into her mind: "No matter how many times we part, we will find our way back to each other." It had resonated with her then, and it held a different meaning now. Was it a sign? A reminder that, despite the distance, there was always hope?

Nastasia returned to her project, a quiet realization settled over her. Maybe she was finally learning to let go. But the words of the unsent letter lingered in her thoughts, echoing like a melody she couldn't quite grasp.

The intensity of her feelings for Asher had faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of university life, her goals, and passions. But even so, tiny fragments of those emotions lingered, like dust in the corners of her heart, impossible to fully sweep away. Maybe that was okay. Maybe some things weren't meant to be forgotten entirely, just softened over time.