It took me only a few weeks to finally get out of bed—to stop moping about the time I'd lost. I picked up my phone to check the message Lily sent earlier. She always came to check on me two or three times a week, sometimes dragging me outside once or twice. She didn't really understand how I felt—how strange it was to be completely healed without knowing what healed me.
Still, my main goal was simple: to catch up on all the sleep I'd missed for three years.
Yawning, I headed to the kitchen to blend myself some fruit juice while scrolling through Lily's messages.
> "Our SAT results are out! Mia and I already checked ours. Go check yours too!"
> "How did you do?" I texted back.
> "I passed! I got into Riverside University for Broadcasting! Mia didn't get in, though—she was offered a spot at Tottenham State College of Arts. We wanted to check with you, but you ignored my calls again. Typical you."
I couldn't help but smile.
> "I'm so sorry. I was asleep… again. I promise I'll make it up to you. Anyway, I'll go check mine now."
> "Alright! Text me immediately when you see it."
I laughed softly as I opened the exam portal. The message popped up instantly:
> "Dear Vivian Ray, congratulations! You've been accepted into Riverside University College of Medicine. We would love for you to visit the campus to begin your admission process. Thank you for your hard work—we look forward to helping make your dream come true."
And they sure did.
They didn't know that I had been obsessed with the idea of becoming a doctor since I was twelve. Back then, I told myself it was because doctors earned well—but secretly, I think I just wanted to save people the way no one ever saved me.
I was ecstatic. My dream was becoming real. I texted Lily right away:
> "I got accepted!"
She called instantly, practically screaming into the phone.
> "You got accepted? Into where?"
> "Riverside University College of Medicine!"
> "Oh my God! We're going to the same university! I'm so happy—Vivian, we have to celebrate. I'm bringing Mia along, and don't you dare lock your door!"
I groaned playfully.
> "Six more years with you? What did I do to deserve this?"
> "Bitch, I'm the only reason your life is still a life!" she yelled between laughter.
> "Bring beer and fried chicken when you come," I teased.
> "Hah, I'll bring for myself and Mia only. None for you!" she shot back before hanging up.
I couldn't help but laugh.
When Lily and Mia arrived, both their hands were full of beer and fried chicken.
> "I just thought I'd pity your life," Lily said with mock arrogance, handing me my share.
I burst into laughter and pulled them both into a tight hug.
She was right. They were the reason my life still had light in it—Lily's chaos, Mia's calm, their presence that reminded me I wasn't alone.
What would I have done without them?
That night, as we sat cross-legged on the floor, eating, laughing, and throwing careless insults at each other, something inside me shifted. The house didn't feel so empty anymore. My laughter didn't sound so foreign.
For the first time in a long while, I felt like the world might still have a place for me in it.
And somewhere deep down, I knew this was just the beginning—
that life was about to change again.