The Boy That stayed

Chapter Seventeen - A long day

By the time I reached the cafeteria, my stomach was practically begging me to stop walking and feed it.

I joined the line, bought something simple, and found a table tucked away from the busiest section.

As usual, I sat alone.

I didn't mind.

There was something peaceful about having a little space to myself, especially after spending the morning surrounded by unfamiliar faces.

I ate slowly, occasionally glancing around the cafeteria.

Students sat in groups, laughing and talking about their classes. Some were already discussing assignments, while others seemed more interested in what they were doing after school.

I listened without joining in.

I checked the time on my phone.

I still had a little while before my next class.

I leaned back in my chair and let myself relax.

My first class hadn't been as frightening as I'd imagined.

In fact, I'd enjoyed it.

Maybe I could actually do this.

Maybe I could settle into this place.

My thoughts drifted for a moment to the strange guy I'd seen again outside the lecture hall.

I remembered the unique clothing style and the way I'd almost walked into him.

I shook my head.

It wasn't important.

He was just another student.

I had no reason to think about him.

I finished my meal, cleaned up after myself, and left the cafeteria.

My second class started at two.

This time, I didn't feel nearly as nervous walking into the lecture hall.

I found my seat, brought out my notebook, and settled down.

The room gradually filled.

When the lecturer arrived, I focused on the lesson.

The second class was different from the first, but I found myself enjoying it too.

I took notes throughout the lecture and occasionally participated when the lecturer asked questions.

By the time the class ended at four, however, the excitement from the morning had disappeared beneath a heavy wave of exhaustion.

I packed my things and made my way back to the dorm.

All I wanted was a shower and my bed.

When I opened the door to Room 214, the sound of Hannah and Grace immediately greeted me.

They were sitting together, phones in their hands, going through pictures and videos from earlier.

Grace looked up first.

"There she is!"

Hannah turned around.

"How was your first day?"

I dropped my bag beside my bed.

"It was nice."

"That's all?" Grace asked, laughing.

I smiled tiredly.

"Yeah. It was good."

Hannah studied my face.

"You look exhausted."

"I am."

The girls laughed.

They continued talking about their own day, jumping from one topic to another.

I listened for a while, answering whenever they included me in the conversation.

I didn't dislike them.

They were actually nice.

They simply had a lot of energy.

And after everything I'd done that day, I didn't have enough energy left to match theirs.

"I'm going to freshen up," I said.

"Okay," Hannah replied.

I grabbed my things and headed for the bathroom.

The warm shower felt like exactly what I needed.

I stood beneath the water for a while, allowing myself to relax.

When I returned to the room, I changed into something comfortable and sat on my bed.

My phone rang.

Mum.

I smiled and answered.

"Hi, Mum."

"Hello, baby. How was your first day?"

I leaned back against my pillow.

"It was good."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Did you find your classes?"

"Yes. I found everything."

"And did you eat?"

I smiled.

"Yes, Mum. I ate."

Her voice softened.

"I'm glad."

I could hear the relief in her voice.

We talked for a while about the university, my roommates, and my classes.

I told her about how nervous I'd been that morning and how much better I felt once the lecture actually started.

My mother laughed.

"I knew you would be fine."

"I was still nervous."

"That's normal."

I smiled.

"I know."

After a few more minutes, we said goodbye.

"I'll call you tomorrow," I promised.

"Okay, baby. Get some rest."

"I will."

The call ended.

I placed my phone beside me.

I looked around the room.

Hannah and Grace were still talking, their voices filling the space.

Leah was quietly doing her own thing, barely paying attention to them.

I pulled my blanket over myself.

My body felt heavy.

My eyes were already closing.

I hadn't realized just how tiring a single day could be.

My first class.

My second class.

Walking around campus.

Meeting people.

Trying to take everything in.

It all caught up with me at once.

I barely had time to get comfortable.

The moment my head touched the pillow, I was gone.

I fell into a deep sleep almost immediately.

Tomorrow would bring another day.

But tonight, I simply needed to rest.