The first day of the Stanford Science Competition training felt like stepping into another world. The school auditorium was filled with students from different backgrounds—bright, curious minds buzzing with ideas and confidence. Olivia clutched her folder close to her chest, feeling both nervous and excited.
Peter was already there, seated casually at one of the front tables. When he saw her walk in, his face broke into an easy grin. "Hey, Liv! Over here."
She hesitated for a second, then joined him. "You're early," she said.
"I like to be prepared," he replied, pretending to adjust invisible glasses. "Besides, someone has to save you a good seat."
She rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're impossible."
As the session began, Olivia quickly realized this wasn't just another school competition. The coaches from Stanford emphasized innovation, teamwork, and creativity. They were expected to design and present a project that could solve a real-world problem—something that mattered.
When the groups were assigned, Olivia and Peter found themselves paired together. Their topic: Renewable energy solutions for low-income communities.
"Looks like we're partners now," Peter said, holding out his hand.
Olivia shook it, her smile shy but genuine. "Let's make it worth it."
Over the next few days, they met after school for brainstorming sessions. At first, their conversations stayed focused on the project—data, formulas, models—but soon, they drifted into laughter, personal stories, and shared dreams.
One evening, they stayed late in the school lab. The light from the ceiling flickered softly, casting long shadows on the tiled floor.
Peter leaned back in his chair. "So, your mom's a doctor, right? That's intense."
Olivia nodded. "Yeah. She loves her job, though. Sometimes I think she loves it more than… well, anything else."
Peter's eyes softened. "That must be hard."
"It is, sometimes. But I guess that's just who she is."
He paused before asking, "And your dad?"
"He's a lawyer. Always in court, always busy. But at least he tries."
Peter smiled faintly. "Sounds like you grew up in a house full of big dreams."
Olivia laughed. "More like high expectations."
There was a silence—comfortable, understanding. Then Peter said quietly, "You know, Liv, sometimes it's okay to just be. You don't have to live up to anyone's story but your own."
Her eyes met his, and for a brief moment, the room felt smaller, the world quieter. Something unfamiliar yet warm fluttered in her chest.
Just then, the janitor's keys jingled down the hallway, breaking the moment. Olivia blinked and looked away. "We should probably go. It's late."
Peter nodded, standing up. "Yeah, before we get locked in and have to survive on leftover science snacks."
She laughed softly. "You're ridiculous."
As they packed up, he added, "Hey, maybe we could grab ice cream after the next session. You know, as a break from all the formulas?"
Olivia hesitated. "Ice cream?"
He grinned. "Yeah, you've heard of it, right? Cold, sweet, melts when you overthink?"
She burst into laughter again. "Fine. Ice cream it is."
Walking home that evening, Olivia felt lighter than she had in months. She wasn't sure what it was—Peter's kindness, his jokes, or the way he seemed to really see her—but for once, she didn't feel invisible.
When she got home, the lights in the living room were still on. Her father was asleep on the couch; papers spread around him. The house was quiet—too quiet.
Olivia stood by the stairs for a moment, her heart caught between two worlds—the one that was falling apart and the one that was just beginning to bloom.