The Girl Who Couldn't Solve Herself

Maya stood frozen in the cafeteria, clutching her tray like a shield. Senior year was supposed to be the climax of her teenage existence — instead, she felt like a riddle she couldn't solve.

"Hey, Earth to Maya."

Jordan snapped his fingers. He was her oldest friend, the one person who'd witnessed her evolution from awkward middle schooler to slightly-less-awkward senior. His golden retriever, Buster, had been their shared confidant since seventh grade, absorbing all their secrets into that perpetually happy fur.

"Sorry. Just... thinking."

"About?"

"Everything. College applications. The fact that I still don't know who I'm supposed to be." Maya pushed her food around. "I feel like I'm trapped in this tiny bowl, swimming in circles, while everyone else is living their best lives."

"That's the most Maya thing you've ever said." Jordan laughed. "You're not a goldfish, Maya. You're literally valedictorian."

"Being smart doesn't mean I have answers." She sighed. "Remember that sphinx riddle project in English? What walks on four legs, then two, then three? I keep thinking about that."

"Because you're deep like that."

"No, because I feel like I'm still crawling. Everyone else is walking tall, and I'm just trying not to face-plant." She looked at him sideways. "Does that make sense?"

Jordan's expression softened. "Honestly? I feel like that too. Like I'm supposed to have this whole life thing figured out, but I'm just guessing."

They sat in comfortable silence while Buster slept at Jordan's feet, dreaming his happy dog dreams.

"Maybe that's the point," Maya said slowly. "Maybe the sphinx's real riddle isn't about the answer. Maybe it's about the fact that we're all just trying to figure out how to stand."

"That's actually kind of brilliant."

"I have my moments." She grinned. "Rare, like once-every-four-years moments."

"Jordan?" someone called from across the cafeteria. "We're heading to Justin's. You coming?"

He looked at Maya, then back at the group. "Nah. I'm good here."

He didn't have to say anything else. Some friendships didn't need explanation. They just were.

"You know what?" Maya said, picking up her tray. "I think I'm finally starting to solve this riddle."

"Yeah? What's the answer?"

She smiled. "Whatever I want it to be."