ALYSSA
As Pamela and I returned to our dorm, the hallway was quiet, only the soft hum of lights above and distant voices from other rooms filled the silence. I gripped my phone, my fingers itching to call Jake, hoping to understand why he hadn’t shown up to class. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the anxious feeling in my chest, and dialed his number.
After a few rings, Jake finally picked up, and I heard his familiar voice on the other end. I felt my heart skip, and I spoke, barely able to keep the shyness out of my tone.
“Jake, how are you… I just noticed you weren’t in class,” I started, my voice low, not wanting Pamela to overhear too much. “I mean… Is everything okay?”
He sighed, and for a moment, I thought he wouldn’t answer. “I’m sorry, Alyssa. I should have told you I wo
