Brooke Callahan

The sun was just beginning to warm the quiet suburban streets as Brooke Callahan stepped out of her front door, adjusting the strap of her backpack.

Brooke was the picture of effortless energy — shoulder-length wavy chestnut hair still slightly damp from her shower, bright hazel eyes, and an athletic build from years of soccer and cheer. She wore her favorite olive cargo skirt, a graphic tee, and a light denim jacket.

Next door, Zara Khalid was already locking her own front door. The elegant Pakistani American girl had her long, straight black hair tied in a loose ponytail, a few strands framing her striking face. She carried herself with natural grace, dressed in a simple but stylish white blouse and dark jeans

“Morning, neighbor!” Brooke called out with a bright smile, jogging across the lawn to meet her.

Zara turned, her dark eyes lighting up. “Morning, Brookie. You are actually early for once. Did the world end?”

Brooke laughed and bumped her shoulder against Zara’s as they started walking toward the end of the street where the school bus would pick them up.

“Had a good feeling about today,” Brooke said, echoing the text she had received from Mara earlier. “Field trip to that old village. No real classes. Plus, I get to hang out with you all day. That’s basically a win.”

Zara smiled softly, adjusting the strap of her bag. “You and your ‘good feelings.’ I am just hoping the tour guides actually know some ghost stories. That place is from the 1800s — there has to be at least one tragic romance or haunted graveyard tale.”

“You’re such a romantic,” Brooke teased. “I am hoping we can sneak off and take some aesthetic pictures. You’d look amazing in those old gardens with that hair.”

Zara nudged her playfully. “Come on. You just want me to take photos of you looking cool for your Instagram.”

“Guilty,” Brooke grinned. “But seriously, today’s gonna be fun. No tests, no drama, just us being dumb somewhere new.”

The two girls continued down the sidewalk, chatting easily the way they had since they became neighbors four years ago. Brooke was the outgoing, optimistic one who dragged Zara into spontaneous adventures. Zara was the more reserved, thoughtful one who kept Brooke from doing anything too reckless. Their friendship had always been easy and balanced.