My heart races as familiar faces from law school pop up on Zoom

[First year legal apprentice Desirae’s? Zoom catch up with former ( KU Leuven ) (Faculty of Law) ignites fond memories and old drama. Her heart races as the familiar faces pop up on the screen; one by one’; each one carrying memories etched in time.]

Int. Economic Crime Office - Belgium - Day

Desirae: (excitement) Hello everyone! It feels surreal to see you after all this time

Olivier: Tell me about it

Mathilde: It’s so good to see you. Our law school life at Catholic University of Leuven law school (Faculty of Law) is unforgettable.

Didier: ...The endless revision sessions

Desirae: (nostalgic) No one can forget the music that kept us going as we prepared for those tough exams

Mathilde: Remember how we all struggled with the legal jargons in our first year

Desirae: Awe-inspiring lecturers by Professor Ellen Van Damme, which shaped our personal and professional lives.

Mathilde: (chuckles) Inspiring Professor. Her passion for Criminology was uplifting.

Desirae: (thrillingly) The academic rigor blended with innovation and traditions at KU Leuven actually shaped our legal perspectives. Our law school really set us up for excellence post-graduation.

Didier: In addition, the campus itself is stunning.

Mathilde: True! Walking through those historic halls was like living in a legal history book.

[Emotions run high as past altercations resurfaced]

Olivier: Yes! I remember vividly…But can we please move past it now? We are legal professionals now, aren’t we?

[Desirae interjects calmly]

Mathilde: We are indeed but unresolved issues tend to linger. Maybe addressing them is precisely what we need…

[Desirae takes charge of steering the conversation back towards a resolution]

Desirae: I think she is right. Let’s confront this head on. Holding onto anger only breeds more pain.

[The friends braces themselves collectively as not-so-fond memories are revisited]

Mathilde: (gracefully extending an olive branch) Look! I don’t want us to continue harbouring animosities towards each other

Didier: It’s clear that some wounds never really heal. Now is the time for healing.

[In a touching moment of vulnerability and honesty, Olivier takes a deep breath before offering an apology]

Olivier: I’m sorry for how things unfolded between us back then

[A collective sigh fills the virtual space as forgiveness washes over each individual box on-screen]

Mathilde: (tears welling up in her eyes, reflects) We have come so far since those past grievances.

Desirae: it’s so wonderful to witness this growth and reconciliation today; a true testament to our strong bond.

Int. Economic Crime Office - Belgium - Day

[Desirae smiles at the memories flooding back. As they share stories?of legal apprenticeships and internships, the conversation steers towards their shared love for Belgium’s rich culture]

Mathilde: From quirky comic strips to mouth-watering chocolate varieties, there was a shared pride in being part of such a vibrant community.

Desirae: (reflectively) I know what you mean. I do miss wandering through Leuven’s charming streets and stumbling upon hidden gems.

Olivier: Oh yes! Our Friday nights were filled with the rhythms of Belgian music that had us dancing until dawn.

Didier: I still get the chills listening to Flemish folk songs. They transport me back to our carefree law school days.

Mathilde: Remember when we used to play Rendez-Vous by Metejoor & Emma Heesters on repeat? It always brought us together, no matter how stressed we were

Didier: I know!

Desirae: This melody became our unofficial? anthem during study breaks

Olivier: I miss the Commercial Awareness discussions over Belgian waffles. Law and delight combined.

[Laughter echoes across the virtual space as the hummed snippets of familiar tunes from their times together. Each song captures moments of celebration, unity and resilience against academic challenges]

Desirae: (raises her glass of Orval) Let’s toast to our enduring bond; a bond that transcends physical distance; a bond strengthened by mutual respect and camaraderie forged through challenges faced together.

Didier: To friendships formed in the halls of academia,

Mathilde: To melodies that soundtacked and brightened our law school days with happiness

Olivier: To LegalMinds interwoven with Belgium’s vibrant spirit

Int. Economic Crime Office - Belgium - Day

Desirae: Here’s to us; past classmates turned lifelong friends.

[The screen flickered momentarily but the friends’ connection remains steadfast; a testament to the unbreakable ties forged during formative years.

Didier: Even though we are miles apart, our hearts beat with love; united by the Belgian rhythms

Desirae: We may have left Catholic University of Leuven law school (KU Leuven)

and Leuven(Louvain) behind, but their essence lingers? in our hearts. Until our next reunion; same time next year.

[Thankful to technology for bridging the gaps among hearts scattered across borders and time zones, the friends wrap up the catch up with promises of future meet-ups (preferably in person) and shared adventures]

Int. Economic Crime Office - Belgium - Continuing - Day

[Desirae Updates her fellow PartnersInAntiFinancialCrime]

Desirae: The buzz of excitment fills the atmosphere as my former law school classmates pop up on my Zoom screen; their faces familiar yet distant, owing to our time apart.

So what's new with everyone? I asked, somewhat casually, trying to mask my curiosity. And just like that fond recollections mixed with hints of old drama, started to surface.

Each story shared and laughter echoing through cyberspace, reminded me of why those years were the best in my life. From the late night Legal Research sessions to impromptu tea breaks at our favourite local hangourt spot - An avalance of nostalgia flooded back.

In those momentss of laughter and chatter, however, a sublte tension lingered in the digital air. It seemed some of us were still harbouring a little resentment. As grievances were aired, I couldnt help feeling like an outsider - looking in on a world that once belonged exclusively to us.

PartnersInAntiFinancialCrime: (in unison) Ahhh!

Desirae: (continues) Nevertheless, there was something undeniably comforting about seeing those familiar faces again - even if it was only through pixels on Zoom screen.

The Bittersweet moments reminded me that no matter how far we may stray from our past selves or from one another's lives, those law school life memories will always hold us together in ways not even words can articulate.

As we said goodbye for now; promising to re-connect soon, I couldnt help but wonder whether our reunions serve as mere reminders of what once was or glimpses into what could still be.

Norice: As you dance between present and past, only time will tell. I'm so happy for you and your law school friends.

Sevrin and Isolda: We love you Desirae

[PartnersInAntiFinancialCrimeHug]

Fade Out