Chapter 1: A Visit to Phipps Conservatory

One seasonably cool third Saturday of November 2023, I met up with my childhood friends Sarah, James, and Henri, along with some of my other best friends Carly Shay and Spencer Puckett, as well as Carly's stepdad, Freddie Benson, at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland for a tour of the Winter Holiday Magic Show. "Hi, guys!" I greeted my friends. "Hi, Angel!" Sarah greeted back. "I found out that our Kate Bush song was from an episode in Stranger Things," James stated. "We discovered the show on Netflix," Henri stated. "I do not think that our campus has changed that much since we graduated last decade," Sarah stated. "I just found out that Phillis, my former girlfriend from 9th grade, attended Carnegie Mellon University," James stated. "Check out this cool exhibit, guys!" I exclaimed. It was the Pittsburgh 4 Seasons Exhibit. We checked out the spring, summer, fall, and winter exhibits. "This November has been like March and July of this year having 2005 win," I explained. "I can't wait to make the mushroom gravy and cranberry sauce," I explained. "Sarah will be in charge of the turkey, James will be in charge of the stuffing, and Henri will be in charge of the dinner rolls." "I would like to see the new Trolls movie in theaters if we can," Carly stated. "NSYNC has a new single on the radio, but it is nowhere as good as their first single." "I will make the same thing that I did last year- the macaroni and cheese," Mr. Benson stated. "And, I will make corn on the cob," Spencer added. "I will bake the pumpkin pie which I remember baking my freshman year of high school," Carly stated. "I have an idea," I told my friends. "Why don't we all cook in the kitchen together prior to heading to Veltre's for the potluck? It would be fun and Alex would be very proud of us all." "Pumpkin pie is the best and healthiest Thanksgiving dessert," Carly stated. "I mean, it is not a holiday meal without a little dessert, right?" "Oh no," I replied. "I got a Butterball turkey because I remember that is our favorite brand of turkey," Sarah stated. "Didn't you just want to get white meat?" I asked Sarah. "Well, we need to consider some people who prefer dark meat," Sarah told me. "But, we will only eat the white meat!" "Just as long as I do not think of the silly myth that turkey is dangerous," I stated. We all laughed. Then, it was time for all of us to go home. "Thanks for a great day, everyone!" I thanked my friends. "You're welcome, Angel," Sarah replied. "Good night, guys!" "Good night!"