The fire crackled, sending sparks dancing into the inky sky, as Amelia turned to her friends, her eyes sparkling with warmth. ‘What do you all see for yourselves in ten years?’ she asked, her voice daring the quiet of the night. Tim, leaning back against a log, chuckled softly. ‘I see myself on a beach somewhere, sipping coconut water and being utterly carefree!’ The group laughed, but Amelia caught a glimpse of longing in Tim’s eyes. ‘No, really, Tim. What do you want?’ she pressed further. Tim straightened his posture and shrugged, his facade slipping through. ‘Maybe I just want to be happy, you know?’ Sarah piped in. ‘Happiness is great, but what does happiness mean?’ she challenged, raising an eyebrow. Jacob, who had been collecting sticks, tossed one onto the fire. ‘Happiness for me means climbing the corporate ladder,’ he declared ambitively, fear not lacking in his tone. ‘But what’s the price of that happiness?’ Amelia questioned. Jacob faltered, unsure of his answer. ‘I guess I just want to be successful… whatever that means.’ Lisa, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke with surprising intensity. ‘Don’t forget about love, guys. What’s life without someone to share it with?’ Tim mumbled a soft agreement, yet doubt lingered in the air. ‘I suppose I just want to create something meaningful,’ Amelia said, breaking the tension. Her friends turned to her as if she were a painter unveiling a masterpiece. ‘What does ‘meaningful’ look like for you?’ Sarah asked softly. ‘A future where I might change someone’s life, even just a little,’ Amelia replied, her voice lower now. The stars flickered like thoughts unspoken, casting rays of hope and uncertainty among the group. Jacob smiled encouragingly. ‘We can be the architects of our destinies, don’t you think?’ he challenged, determination rising like the flames. ‘But architects need blueprints,’ Tim interjected, the mood shifting back to reality. ‘What if we build our blueprints together?’ Sarah suggested, her eyes glinting mischievously. ‘How about we form a pact: whatever dreams we pursue, we keep each other accountable?’ There was a pause of contemplation, an unspoken agreement brewing among them. The laughter softened as jitters mixed with the excitement of unpredictability. ‘Tomorrow’s aren’t made alone,’ Lisa affirmed, reaching her hand out. One by one, without hesitation, they placed their hands atop one another, feeling both the pressure and warmth of intention. ‘To the future,’ Amelia murmured, overwhelmed by the weight of their promises.