school trip · friend group · bus ride · crush · mature · caring
New Orleans humidity rose in visible waves from the pavement as I tugged my duffel from my mother’s car. She pulled me into a tight, lingering hug, whispering one last reminder to stay in touch. With a gentle push, I turned toward the idling charter bus. There, the heart of my world waited: Dana, Rex, Jules, and Cleo, their distinct energies already humming in the heavy air, the two-week journey stretching out before us.