The rain was soft that afternoon, tapping like tiny fingers against the glass window of Allison's bedroom. She sat on the floor, legs crossed, holding a cream-colored envelope in her hand. The paper smelled like old books and secrets. Her eyes scanned the content again and again, lips pressed tightly, like she was trying to read between the lines. The Old School Alumni Program. A week-long trip back to her old high school.
"You gonna stare at that thing forever?" Elisse asked, throwing herself onto Allison's bed, the mattress bouncing beneath her weight. "Open it already, it’s been in your hand for like, ten minutes."
Allison sighed, her voice low. "It’s already open. I’m just... thinking."
Leo, sitting by the desk and chewing on a jelly stick, tilted his head. "What's there to think? Old school, free food, and drama. Classic. Count me in."
Zeyon, who had been silently scrolling through his phone on the couch, looked up at the word 'drama'. "Wait, what? What drama?"
Allison lifted the invitation, her fingers slightly trembling. "They’re hosting an alumni event. Like... an actual week-long program for old students. A full seven days. They even rented a beach resort near the province."
"Oooh. Fancy," Leo said with a whistle. "So, who invited you?"
"Mr. Hallick. You know, the old art teacher," she muttered.
Elisse perked up. "Isn’t he the one who always smelled like paint and onions?"
"Yeah," Allison snorted a laugh. "That's him."
Zeyon’s brows furrowed. "Why now? Why you?"
"Because... I used to be the school’s art rep, remember? And—" She paused, eyes slightly cloudy. "—and maybe they just want everyone back."
Leo raised an eyebrow. "‘Everyone’? Like... those people?"
There was a silence. Even Elisse sat up.
"You mean your old classmates?" Elisse asked.
Allison nodded slowly.
Zeyon stood up and walked over to her, kneeling beside her with eyes fixed on hers. "Do you want to go?"
"I... I don’t know. Part of me wants to. It’s been years. And I’m allowed to bring two people."
Leo raised his hand quickly. "Me. Obviously."
Elisse turned to Zeyon. "You better go too. She needs someone with a punch-worthy face to protect her."
"Hey!" Leo cried.
Zeyon chuckled but his eyes didn’t smile. He looked at Allison. "If we go... you’ll have to face a lot of people. People you haven’t seen in a long time. Are you ready for that?"
Allison gave a weak smile. "I don’t know. But maybe I need it."
---
I woke up early today. Like, way too early for someone who stayed up late crying while binge-watching videos of dogs in costumes. The room was still kind of dark, with soft light coming through the blinds, and I could hear birds outside chirping like they had nothing better to do. I lay there for a moment, hugging my pillow, trying to convince myself not to fall back asleep.
But today’s not just a normal day. I could feel it. You know when your gut tells you something’s gonna be different? Yeah. That. My chest felt heavy. Like I’m about to walk into something I don’t even know yet.
I got up, brushed my teeth while staring at my reflection like I was trying to recognize who I was. My hair was a mess. Classic. I didn’t even bother fixing it properly, just tied it in a loose bun. Grabbed a hoodie, the one Zeyon said made me look like a lost cat, and headed downstairs.
Leo was already in the kitchen, surprisingly.
"You’re up early," I said, yawning.
He looked up from his bowl of cereal. "Couldn’t sleep."
That was weird. Leo usually slept like a rock. I sat across from him, silently grabbing a spoon and stealing a bite from his cereal. He didn’t even complain. That’s when I knew something was definitely off.
"What’s wrong?" I asked.
He hesitated. His spoon stopped mid-air. "Nothing. Just thinking."
I didn’t push him. We both just sat in silence, chewing and not looking at each other.
After breakfast, I remembered the invitation letter. The Alumni Week program at my old school. A whole week of events, reunions, and old people pretending to remember each other’s names. I didn’t really want to go at first. But something told me I should. Maybe closure? Maybe curiosity? Maybe just to escape this weird heavy cloud that’s been hovering around lately.
I walked back to my room and stared at the invitation again. I was allowed to bring two people. My eyes instantly thought of Zeyon. And then Leo.
I didn’t even hesitate.
I texted both.
> Me: We’re going to an alumni program. Pack your stuff. I’ll explain later.
Zeyon replied in like five seconds.
> Zeyon: Huh???
> Me: Just say yes.
> Zeyon: Okay but only if I get to choose the playlist.
> Me: Deal. Bring snacks too.
Leo didn’t reply right away, but when he showed up at my door with his bag already packed, I guess that meant yes.
---
The following day was stressful, just like any other day. Packing was a mess. Leo kept sneaking extra bags of chips in Allison’s suitcase, while Elisse added face masks, skincare, and what seemed like an entire salon kit.
"You’re not even coming!" Allison protested.
"Still! What if you guys want to pamper? Never know when a facial emergency happens," Elisse argued.
Zeyon had packed his things in less than ten minutes, of course. One bag. Black. Mysterious.
"Why does yours look like you're going to war?" Leo asked, holding up Zeyon’s duffel bag.
"Because you never know what might happen," Zeyon replied flatly.
Allison rolled her eyes. "Okay, soldier. Relax."