Chapter 42 - The Search of Sack

Main Quad was bathed in the soft glow of the sunset, casting the iconic sandstone arches of Stanford in a golden hue. It was an emblematic place on campus, with its wide expanse surrounded by historic buildings—a space where students and tourists often strolled, took photos, or simply enjoyed the university atmosphere.

We were there, dressed in our Ghostbusters costumes, holding the instruction papers for the treasure hunt in our hands.

I looked at mine with my usual indifferent expression, while Lindsay smiled with her characteristic kindness. Olivia, on the other hand, had eyes full of determination, holding the paper as if it were a real treasure map. For her, this was more than just a game—it was a competition she had to win.

"Well, let's go over the rules," said Lindsay, glancing at her paper. "Each of us hid an object in a chest, and each chest has a four-digit code. To find it, we need to follow our own clues and decipher the numbers."

"Yes, and each clue leads us to the next number," added Olivia excitedly. "The last clue tells us where the chest is."

I sighed and looked around. It wasn't that I was thrilled about the idea of running around campus looking for clues, but since I was already here, I might as well do it right. After all, I was the one who had hidden my chest with the intention of making sure it wouldn't be easy to find.

"I hope you followed the rules and didn't make the clues impossible," I commented sarcastically, sliding my finger across the paper with the instructions.

"Of course we followed the rules," said Lindsay with a mischievous smile. "Although I can't promise we didn't have a little fun while doing it."

"If by 'fun' you mean making this as challenging as possible, then yes, absolutely," added Olivia with a sly grin.

I raised an eyebrow but said nothing. I simply read my first clue in silence. The day before, in addition to hiding our chests, we had also placed the digits of the combination in strategic locations. It wasn't going to be as simple as opening a lock; we had to follow the clues to find each number.

"So, ready to start?" asked Lindsay, adjusting the backpack of her costume.

"I'm always ready," affirmed Olivia, raising her paper confidently.

I just nodded and started walking. I had work to do.

The first clue read: "Where knowledge hides behind shelves and silence is a golden rule, there you will see the first number shine." I sighed. Olivia had been more dramatic than necessary, but the message was clear: the library.

When I arrived, I walked through the aisles until I reached the section where we had studied together days earlier. Among the history books, I found a note taped to the spine of a book. "One down, three more to go. Don't give up, Sack!" it read, along with the number 7.

The second clue was even more ridiculous: "A place where gravity doesn't matter and feet leave the ground. There awaits your next number." It didn't take me long to figure it out: the gym, specifically the climbing wall area. Olivia always exaggerated, but at least it made sense. I headed there, and sure enough, stuck to one of the mats was another note with the number 3.

For the third clue, the message was equally absurd: "Where art is heard in chords and notes float in the air." The music room. I walked there, and while searching for the clue, I ran into Lindsay.

"Are you here for a clue too?" I asked.

"Yes, but yours is behind the piano," she replied with a conspiratorial smile.

I circled the instrument and picked up the note with the number 5. When I straightened up, Lindsay was looking at me gently. Without saying anything, she stepped closer and adjusted the sleeve of my costume, as if it were out of place.

"It looks good on you," she murmured before tucking a rebellious strand of hair behind my ear with a touch of tenderness.

"How are you doing with your clues?" I asked, not moving.

"Better than I expected, I think I'm almost there," she replied with a soft laugh.

I nodded, watching her as she spoke. There was something about her calmness that made the chaos of the game feel less overwhelming.

"And you?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Dealing with Olivia's drama," I responded with a hint of irony.

Lindsay smiled and stepped a little closer, her hand brushing against mine for a moment before pulling away softly.

"See you at the finish line, Sack," she whispered, and walked away.

I watched her leave before refocusing on the search.

The fourth clue read: "Where shadows dance and stories come to life in the dark." This time it took me a bit longer, but soon I figured it out: the campus cinema. There, in one of the seats in the back row, I found the note with the number 9.

Finally, the last clue led me to a bench near the artificial lake on campus. There was my chest. I reviewed the numbers in my mind: 7-3-5-9. I entered the combination, and the lock clicked open. Inside, I found three necklaces with medallions.

I picked one up. The design was simple, but when I opened it, I saw a photo: the three of us hugging, smiling. Olivia making an exaggerated face, Lindsay with her radiant smile, and me… even I was smiling. In addition to the chest, there was a carefully folded letter. I picked it up and immediately recognized Olivia's handwriting.

"Dear Sack,

I'm not very good with words when it comes to important things, so I hope this isn't too awkward for you (or for me). But I wanted to write something because… well, because I think I needed to say it.

Before meeting you and Lindsay, I was different. Not this version of me that you see now, always laughing, always trying to make everything fun. Before, I was… insecure and very clumsy. I used to be afraid that no one would really understand me, that they'd think I was too loud or too intense. I thought I had to pretend to be someone else for people to accept me. And then I met you two—Sack, with your silence and the way you observe everything without judging, and Lindsay, with her kindness and ability to see the best in people.

You both taught me something I never thought I'd learn: that I can be myself, completely, without fear. That I can be intense, loud, and dramatic, and still be loved. That I can be vulnerable, and that's okay. That I can share my secrets, my fears, my moments of weakness, and you won't push me away. That means more to me than I can express.

This necklace represents what you mean to me. Each medallion has a picture of us because you're such an important part of my life. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am now. You've made me feel like I belong to something, like I've finally found a home.

So thank you. Thank you for accepting me, for putting up with my craziness, for being there even when I don't say things the right way. Thank you for being my best friends.

P.S.: If you ever need a Ghostbuster costume for another treasure hunt, you know who has the best gear. And I don't lend it for free!"

A lump formed in my throat.

I clenched the medallion in my hand and looked toward the horizon. The sun was setting slowly, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Without realizing it, I had found a home where I could be myself without guilt, where I could let my guard down. Where, despite everything, there was still love.