Silent Notes

Chapter Eighteen: Warmth of friendships

Nastasia continued studying, books and notes sprawled around her, lost in her work. The overhead lights and the faint rustle of pages created a comforting backdrop—a cozy silence that made it the perfect spot for studying. But her mind wandered far from her studies. She felt the weight of her own expectations pressing down on her, slowly suffocating her spirit.

Growing up, she had always set high standards for herself: an ambitious student, a loyal friend, and a good daughter. Yet lately, those expectations felt more like chains than goals.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a message. It was from her friends. The first message read, "Hey, we haven't heard from you in a while. Everything alright?" Nastasia felt a rush of warmth at the concern from her friends.

Sofia's next text popped up, and she couldn't help but chuckle: "I bet she's with Asher. 🙄"

Nastasia's cheeks flushed. A smile spread across her face as she realized how true it was, even if it was just a playful assumption. She loved her friends and their shared humor, always able to brighten her day.

Quickly, she typed back, "Well, you're not wrong!"

A moment later, her phone buzzed again. Amelia responded, "See? We knew it! You're not just studying!"

Nastasia laughed, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. In this moment, it didn't matter that she sometimes felt stuck or overwhelmed; her friends reminded her that life was about balance and enjoying the little moments.

After sending the message, she glanced around the library. She spotted Asher again, working with the same girl. But this time, instead of feeling that familiar twinge of jealousy, she felt a sense of calm. She knew their connection was unique. (P.S.: She's also delusional.)

As Nastasia finished her message, she felt a sense of lightness fill her chest. The laughter and banter with her friends were reminders of the joy that existed beyond her own worries. She took a moment to breathe deeply, appreciating the warmth of their support even from afar.

Instead of letting her expectations constrict her, she decided to focus on the present moment—the soft rustle of pages turning, the distant chatter of students, and the comforting familiarity of the library. Life was unfolding in its own unpredictable way, and that was okay.

With a renewed sense of clarity, Nastasia returned to her work. She wasn't just studying for grades or to meet anyone's expectations; she was learning for herself, to explore the world around her and discover who she wanted to be. And for the first time in a long while, that felt liberating.