Lawrenceville Vignettes

We’ve just finished our workout. I’m exhausted and my legs shake of their own volition. As we trudge through Tsai, desperate to sit down and finally eat, you spot something: just beyond the windows lies the most spectacular sunset I’ve ever seen. It might not actually be that—maybe I just haven’t seen the sun in forever—but wow, does it feel like a blessing to see bright splashes of orange and magenta streak across the sky. We race outside to gape and I forget about the burn in my lungs. Somehow the same feeling takes both of us over and we start to chase the setting sun, giddy and giggling. My blood is pumping and my endorphins are running high and all I can think about is how happy I am to be here with you.

I lace up my new Hokas on the edge of my treadmill. I spent forever picking them out and even longer tracking their shipping, but the day has finally come where I can try them out. In the corner of my eye, I notice a familiar flash of baby blue with warm yellow. The girl stretches just parallel to me, lacing up the very same shoes. Excitedly nudging my friend, I gesture over: “She’s got great taste in shoes, huh?” My friend laughs, indulging me but ready to resume running; I glance back over, hesitant. Impulsively, I blurt “Hey! I like your shoes,” struggling to be heard over the giant Loucks fans. The girl thanks me, confused, then notices my own shoes. We start talking, animatedly recounting our online-shopping experiences, and find out we ordered them at the same time. Her name is familiar,  and I remember I’ve read her articles in The Lawrence—she has the same realization. It’s a little awkward, but the whole time I’m thinking about how delighted I am to have met her. Now I have one less stranger and one more friend at this school. I don’t think I’ll hesitate next time I want to go say hi to someone.