Keep to yourself

I unpack quietly and keep mostly to myself. The other three guys seem to settle into their own routines almost immediately, talking and joking while I organize my things and check my class schedule. I answer when they speak to me, but I don’t really make an effort to join the conversation. My mind keeps drifting back to my girlfriend and everything I need to accomplish this year.

Later that evening, I sit on my bed with my laptop open, headphones in, and start working through my schedule. I can hear Chase talking about plans for the night and Jeff laughing along, while Doug occasionally adds some overly detailed comment about something. I tune most of it out. I came here to graduate, and right now, keeping my head down seems like the safest way to make it through the year without getting distracted.