Head back to the dorms

After finishing our tacos, Jeff and I start walking back toward the dorms. The campus has gotten noticeably busier since we left. Groups of students are heading toward the first big party of the year, dressed up and laughing as they walk past us. Music drifts between the buildings, and cars pull up along the curb to drop people off.

Jeff looks around and laughs. “Man, first week back and everyone’s already going crazy.”

I smile and nod. There’s definitely an energy in the air. Everywhere we look, people are dressed for the night, talking and joking with their friends as they make their way toward the party. For a moment, I understand why Chase was so eager to go earlier.

We keep walking toward the dorm, talking about classes and the year ahead. The campus feels completely different tonight—louder, more alive, and full of possibilities.