Back at the dorm

I finally make it back to the dorm. Jeff isn’t there, and Chase is standing by his bed, getting ready to head out. Doug is at his desk, completely absorbed in whatever he’s working on.

Chase looks over as I walk in. “Hey, man. You just getting back?”

“Yeah,” I say, a little too quickly. “I was… studying. At the library.”

Chase pauses. “For that long?”

“Yeah. I just had a lot to get through.” I drop my bag beside my bed, avoiding his eyes. “Lost track of time, I guess.”

Doug briefly looks up from his laptop but doesn’t say anything.

Chase shrugs and grabs his jacket. “Alright. I’m heading out in a few. There’s a party happening near the student center.”

“Yeah, cool,” I say quietly.

He nods and heads for the door. Once it closes behind him, I sit on my bed and exhale. Doug goes back to his work, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and the uncomfortable realization that lying is starting to feel easier than admitting the truth.