When I walk into the cafeteria, my best friends are occupying a lime green table near the vending machines, and I head for them with a smile on my face. My mood is exceptionally bright today, since my grandma woke up early to make me a paratha and omelet. I’m used to being handed a granola bar, so it was a warm surprise.

“Good morning,” I say, wrapping my arms around my two favorite girls. “Isn’t it a beautiful day outside?”

Nandini rolls her eyes, running a hand through her short curls, still wet from the gloomy weather. “It’s raining, Karina.”

“Exactly,” I say, slipping my way between her and Cora, who laughs as she scoots aside to make room.

The three of us met freshman year during Italian and have been tied together since. Every year we choose classes in the hopes of landing similar schedules and, so far, it’s worked out.

This year, we have first period free every day, and all of us show up early just to spend time together.

“How’s day one without the parental figures?” Cora asks, brushing her platinum blond hair over her shoulder and handing me a warm cup of coffee. “I see you’ve broken out the crop tops and ripped jeans.”

I smile faintly, looking down at my outfit. It’s not too wild, but it’s still more skin than usual. “I’ve been hiding these in the back of my dresser for months.”

“At least they’re finally seeing the light of day,” Nandini says, poking my belly button.

I laugh and take a sip from my cup. I try not to grimace at the bitter taste. Cora has a tendency to forget how I prefer my coffee, but I never complain, because she still went out of her way to bring it for me. “Last night I went to bed at one in the morning after binging three movies, and Dadu didn’t say a word. Can you believe that? We truly love to see it.”

“Ugh, wish I could relate. Ever since my grandparents moved in, they hog the television all the time, and it’s just not the same watching on my laptop.” Nandini sighs heavily. “I’m considering spending my next paycheck on a TV for my room.”

“You should,” Cora says, her hazel eyes bright. “Imagine the movie marathons we could have.”

Nandini grins before looking back at me. “Seriously though, babe. I’m happy for you. You needed this.”

I offer her a small smile. “Yeah, I really did.”