Take it easy.

You're right. I didn't want to jump into something serious so quickly anyway. Besides, I think I deserve a little -me- time. God knows I haven't had any since I was born.

I found this really great spot. Yes, I know, I should be studying, but I do study! I bring my books to a grassy hill just outside the campus, like half a mile into a nature park. Beautiful during the day, but even better at night, when the stars come out. It's funny that in class and in my books I can see photo after photo of stars and planets and nebulae, but not a bit of that amounts to one clear evening under the distant burning fires of space. Besides, I guess I'm still a solitary person at heart, and when it's just me and the sky, I feel a lot more relaxed, though I could stand to invite Rose out here; she's such a sweet gal. I really don't get what made me so afraid of her in the beginning.

But now I'm scared for real. Darkness is great for seeing stars, but when you're panicked, it's a nightmare. I'm just glad that Rose knows I come out here because suddenly the forest is alive with activity, and I'm not as alone as I'm comfortable with. I saw something bright and burning fall to the Earth and explode with a blinding light and terrible din. Somewhere in the distance I can hear the roar of fire spreading among the trees, and the nocturnal animals-- heck, even the diurnal ones-- chirping and running amok. I think... I think I should get away too, but what am I running from?