The new semester begins

By the time I got back to my dorm, it was late.

I opened the door quietly and immediately noticed that my roommates were back. Doug, Jeff, and Chase were already asleep, their stuff scattered around the room and the hallway like they’d never left.

I kept the lights off, changed quietly, and climbed into bed.

Within minutes, I was asleep.

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of the dorm coming back to life.

For a moment, I forgot what day it was.

Then I remembered.

Winter break was officially over.

My roommates were back. Classes were starting again soon. The quiet stretch I’d gotten used to was gone.

And Sarah was already on a plane heading back home.

I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling.

After spending so much time with her, the sudden distance felt strange.

But at the same time, I knew what was waiting for me back on campus.

My old routine.

The gym.

Classes.

College girls

And, for the first time in weeks, the freedom I’d gotten used to having.

I finally got out of bed and started getting ready for the new semester.