Keeley changed out of her uniform in favor of a worn, comfortable pair of jeans and a purple and white polka dotted sweater and put on the winter gear necessary to combat the chill before heading back to the subway after texting her dad that she was meeting a friend to celebrate.

　　Sometimes it felt like she spent more time on the subway than off it but she didn't really mind. Keeley was a New Yorker through and through. She loved the bustle of the city!

　　Anywhere else would be far too quiet. Even though Boston was a large city, her years there didn't feel quite the same. It was comforting knowing she didn't have to leave her home this time.

　　Mom and Pop style pizza joints were a New York staple and something Keeley missed fiercely when she went away for college. It seemed fitting to celebrate changing which university she went to by going to one now.

　　She waited about fifteen minutes for her friend to arrive and pa.s.sed the time people watching. Keeley always wondered what people's stories were as they hurried by.

　　Where were they going? What was the rush? Sometimes she even imagined scenarios for them, like how maybe the woman in the long red scarf and beret was trying to make it to the airport and escape to France because she was an international jewel thief.

　　"Keeley!" Lydia shouted as she opened the front door with an accompanying blast of wind.

　　"You made it! Let's go get a table."

　　Ten minutes later, the pizzas were ordered and they toasted to each other with their root beer floats.

　　"To Lydia's glorious escape to the beaches of California! Not only did she get into a prestigious school, she got a half-tuition scholars.h.i.+p so her parents can't complain about it!" Keeley giggled, a little giddy with success.

　　Lydia was caught up in the moment too and clinked their gla.s.ses together so forcefully a bit of foam spilled over the sides.

　　"To Keeley's future success staying the craziest city in the world!"

　　They both gulped down half their floats in one go and grinned at each other.

　　"So remind me what you want to study again."

　　Lydia stirred her straw around before answering. "Sociology. Eventually I want a master's in public administration so I can do something about trying to make life easier for people who need to utilize welfare programs."