As I pull into the church parking lot, it is still dark outside. I notice two other cars idling in their parking spots next to each other. I pull into a spot next to them and steal a look at the clock that resides on my dashboard: 5:37.  It’s too early for this. I grab the iced coffee from the cupholder and take a big swig.

I notice more cars approaching the parking lot. The girls are leaving their cars, so I open my door, grabbing my coffee and a blanket from the back seat. I slowly walk over to the grass where the group has congregated. 

The morning dew on the grass soaks through my shoes, my socks sloshing under my feet with every step. I wrap the blanket around me and sit down next to the girl I have called my best friend since 4th grade. 

Sam looks over at me and points to the coffee in my hands “Smart,” she says.

“I knew I wouldn’t be able to survive without it. I think this is the earliest I’ve woken up in years.”

I glance at all of the girls, some still in their pajamas, others in sweatshirts. Messy hair, no makeup, all-natural. We sit as close to one another as possible to keep warm. Who knew August mornings could be so cold?

The moment feels raw, we just sit here together, no one saying anything, just watching the horizon. 

Bella breaks the silence, “We start our senior year in two weeks, that’s crazy”

“Just imagine, everything is going to be so different in a year from now. We’ll all know where we’re going to school.” But, everything in this moment feels unknown. 

“Stop talking about it,” Clare complains.

Silently we sit deep in our own thoughts, watching the sunrise. A blanket of warmth and comfort overtakes us as the sun peers over the houses in the distance. I recognized how lucky I am to have the friends that I do. I’m terrified of drifting away from them. I don’t know what is to come, but that moment was one that I didn’t want to end.