episode 9: vulnerability Hours
855 Words
Late evening. The last golden rays filter through the trees as students shuffle across campus, some heading to the dining hall, others lingering on benches and stairwells.
Tania walks slowly back to her dorm after spending a few hours in the library with Layla and Elijah. It was productive
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Tania unlocks her dorm door just as the hallway lights flicker on. The room is quiet—Zara’s side of the room is empty. She tosses her bag on the bed and is about to reach for her laptop when her phone buzzes.
It’s Junior. She answers, expecting a casual chat.
But his voice is panicked.
> Junior: “Mom had an asthma attack.”
Tania stills.
> Tania: “Wait—what? When?”
> Junior: “Just now. We called the neighbor—she drove us to the hospital. She’s breathing better now, but it was bad. I thought... I thought she might—”
He chokes up. So does she.
Tania squeezes her eyes shut, blinking away tears.
> Tania: “Is she okay now?”
> Junior: “Yeah. She’s resting. I just... I didn’t know what else to do. I wanted to hear your voice.”
They speak a few more minutes before he promises to update her. She hangs up but just sits there, staring at the wall.
The weight of not being there, of growing up far from home—it crashes down hard.
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Unable to sit still, she grabs a hoodie and steps outside. The air is cooler now. Soft crickets hum under the trees. She walks with no clear direction, just needing space.
Eventually, she finds a quiet spot near the old art building, where the pavement dips slightly and there’s a raised ledge around a patch of trimmed grass.
She settles there, hugging her knees.
Then—a familiar voice.
> Elijah: “You okay?”
Tania turns. Elijah stands a few feet away, holding a brown paper bag and two drinks. He was clearly headed somewhere, but now his focus is completely on her.
> Tania (trying to smile): “Not really. Just needed air.”
He doesn’t ask questions. Just studies her for a second, then lifts the bag.
> Elijah: “I was on my way to the fountain. Want to come? I’ve got the best terrible food for emotional emergencies.”
She hesitates.
> Elijah (gentle): “Promise it tastes better when you eat it by the water.”
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The two walk in comfortable silence to a hidden fountain courtyard tucked between two dorm blocks. The fountain glows from underneath—soft golden lights beneath the water, casting dancing reflections on their faces.
> Tania: “I didn’t even know this place existed.”
> Elijah (grinning): “Exactly. That’s why it works.”
They sit on the low edge of the fountain, and he pulls out two wrapped hot dogs, plus a small container of curly fries.
> Elijah: “Now, before you judge—this right here? Is art. Taste it and tell me it isn’t elite.”
She takes a bite—and laughs, genuinely for the first time that evening.
> Tania: “Okay… wow. It’s stupid good.”
They eat, talk lightly—music, random classes, old cartoons. The conversation flows easily. The tension fades.
> Tania (smirking): “So... is this your signature move? Drag sad girls to glowing fountains and feed them comfort food?”
He raises an eyebrow.
> Elijah (softly): “Nah. I’ve never brought anyone here.”
She glances away, blushing. He notices—but doesn’t say a word. Just smiles.
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After they finish, he stands and offers a hand.
> Elijah: “Come on. I’m walking you back. It’s tradition now.”
> Tania (smiling): “What tradition?”
> Elijah: “You show someone your best spot on campus, you make sure they get home safe. Unwritten rule.”
They walk back slowly, side by side. Their shoulders occasionally brush. It’s not romantic. Not yet. But it’s something real.
When they reach her dorm, he pauses by the steps.
“You’ll be okay, Tania. You don’t have to carry everything at once.”
She nods, swallowing a lump in her throat.
“Thanks… for tonight.”
Elijah (smirking): “Anytime. Just don’t tell anyone I’m secretly nice. It ruins my edge.”
She laughs. He heads off.
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Back in the room, Tania checks her phone. A new message from Mom.
She calls. Her mother answers, sounding tired but steady.
> Mom: “Baby, I’m okay. Don’t panic. It happens sometimes. I should’ve told you.
They talk. Mom insists Tania focus on school, assures her she’s fine.
> Mom: “You don’t have to be the strong one all the time, Tania. Just be present. Wherever you are.”
The call ends. Tania breathes in deeply.
Zara walks in a few minutes later, looking bright.
> Zara: “You’re not gonna believe who I ran into today…”
Tania just smiles faintly.
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Tonight wasn't perfect—but it gave her a little peace.
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- Writer
