The day of the field trip finally arrived, and here I was, in the midst of bustling excitement, pulling my luggage out of my room. The anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead buzzed in the air, yet a melancholic thought draped over me like a heavy blanket. How I wished that Zion could come to pick me up, just like the old days. In the past, we would eagerly board the school bus together, sharing whispers and laughter during the ride. But things had changed drastically; not only were we not going together this time, but I also learned that he was bringing another girl along. The thought twisted my stomach in knots, knowing I had no control over it. To make matters worse, I was going to be the third wheel to my cousin Bea and her boyfriend, Alfred.
With a long, exasperated sigh, I trie
