Maxine trudged toward the university gates, trying to scrape off the remnants of fatigue from her inside the way one does grime. It was early, far too early for her liking, but the brightness in the air and the buzz of energy around the campus were unmistakable signs that summer was just around the corner. As she got nearer the gate, she heard a familiar voice call out.
"Maxine!" Sarah waved with zeal, almost hopping on the same spot. She was excited, and her excitement blazed, even if Maxine couldn't catch it.
Maxine plastered a smile on her face, hoping it would look convincing, and said, "What's with that energy?" She kept her tone light, and inside, she wished she had a fraction of the enthusiasm Sarah seemed to have.
"Why wouldn't I be energetic? We've only got two days left, and t
