The Summer I Learned to Breathe

epilogue

☼ epilogue ☼

There are moments when I just can't stand writing. I've been composing the final essay of my freshman college career for the past four hours, and I can't seem to locate and utilize the perfect words to effectively convey my stand on a controversial issue; I have yet to complete more than two solid pages. The frustration is beginning to set in, and cups of coffee aren't helping me anymore. I don't know what to do to make the words flow, but I do know that a hot date with Netflix is tempting me.

I reach my hand across my desk in search of something to eat. I keep my eyes focused on the computer screen, and my fingers wander along the tabletop. They don't run into a box of granola bars that I thought I had, and I glance up to realize I'm out of snacks. I must have gotten so caught up in studying material and completing projects that I completely forgot to buy more food. I haven't had the time to stock up on snacks for studying, but at least I didn't have to worry about constantly eating and gaining a few pounds over finals week.

I groan in frustration because I could really use some food right now. My eyes wander to my wallet and keys, and I debate taking a short break to stock my dorm with junk food. I glance back at my unwritten paper, and I decide to continue working; I can't afford to waste much more time today. I focus my attention on the topic for my paper, but I struggle to keep my mind on track. I can't even form one sentence in my head before I'm interrupted; this time not by my own mind or my thoughts of food, but someone's voice.

"Knocky knock!" A voice chirps, interrupting my thoughts. I slam my still hands resting on the keys of my laptop against the keyboard to produce a light clicking sound, and I swivel around in my chair to see a head pop through the crack in the door. It's a familiar face: a girl with raven hair spilling past her shoulders and a large smile on her face. 

"Mads?" I question, my voice loud in astonishment. My eyes are wide, and I'm almost frozen in place; this can't be real. I look at her beaming face as she nods in excitement like she can't believe she's here either. "Oh my gosh!" I squeal, jumping from my chair and rushing to the door. She pushes the door open further and we share a light hug. "I can't believe you're here!" I verbalize my thoughts and continue to stare at her in disbelief.

Madison is actually in my dorm!

I hear a cough--a light one when someone is trying to get one's attention. I glance down the hall over Madison's shoulder to reveal both Sam and Gabe standing side by side and both smiling like morons. "Sam!" I exclaim, pushing past Madison and rushing into his arms. He grunts under his breath as we share a strong embrace, and I release a giggle. I tightly wrap my arms around his waist as his are around my upper back.

"I thought you cared about me!" Gabe says, imitating a wailing female on a soap opera who just got dumped by a guy she knew for one night and gave everything to. I roll my eyes, but I don't bother to release Sam so soon; I haven't properly seen him since Christmas and I've missed him more than words can describe. I've only seen his freckled face and heard his smooth voice on FaceTime, and sometimes that just isn't enough. I'm so thankful to finally be able to hug him and inhale his scent.

"How are you?" he asks, releasing me from his hold and staring into my eyes.

I shrug. "I'm getting by. I have a calculus final to study for and an essay that just won't write itself..." I explain as I analyze his gorgeous eyes and his adorable freckles.

"You're almost there!" he says, attempting to reassure me. I nod.

"Yeah. Two more days and we're headed back to Michigan!" I say.

"I'm still here," Gabe says, his tone filled with fake frustration. He's just trying to get on my nerves. I roll my eyes, but I turn to him and give him a hug nonetheless.