Having returned to campus and being done with classes for the day, I decided to pay tribute (okay, this sounds like I’m writing to the deceased; it was more like “paying a visit,” which now sounds like I’m going to Grandma’s) to Safeway, which is (and was always, as far as I know) right across the street from Finn, my dorm.

And sure enough (at least to my belief), I dressed accordingly: gray beanie from my grand adventures with Katharine, a hoodie with all sorts of holes, and a set of earbuds dangling over my ears blasting Bibi.

For those who don’t know, Bibi is a K-pop artist.

She’s kind of cool.

Check her out.

Having gone to Safeway to buy oat milk and yogurt, I went to the checkout line (not self-checkout this time due to the growing line), to which the lady at the checkout (who was oh so kind) told me, as I was flittering with my bag, “Welcome back,” with an energy that isn’t typically displayed on Mondays.

I paused, taken aback by her warm greeting. It wasn't just the words, but the genuine smile that accompanied them. For a moment, I felt a sense of belonging wash over me. It was a small gesture, but it meant a lot.

"Thanks," I replied, managing a smile of my own. "It's good to be back."

As I walked back to my dorm, groceries in hand, I reflected on the day. From the unexpected email from Wicked Chicken to the long wait for my yogurt parfait that never came, it had been a day full of small annoyances and minor disappointments. Yet, here I was, feeling strangely content.

College life was unpredictable, filled with both frustrating and delightful moments. But it was these little interactions, the unexpected greetings, and the shared laughs that made it all worthwhile.

As I unlocked the door to my dorm room, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of excitement for the quarter ahead. There would be more hectic mornings, more missed breakfasts, and certainly more humorous mishaps. But there would also be more connections, more laughter, and more moments that made it all worth it.

Settling down at my desk, I put away the oat milk and yogurt, and started preparing for the next day.