10
After Chase dropped me off, I lay in bed, eyes closed. Knowing his popularity, I knew his post would be all over the forum. Every year, a few students become campus sensations. I never thought it would be someone I grew up
<
with.
My phone rang. A strange number.
“Ethan, Noah’s not feeling well. Come get
him.”
It was one of Noah’s rich friends from the
party. I was speechless.
“Doesn’t he have parents, friends, teachers, advisors…? Why me?”
The voice softened. “He keeps saying your
name.‘
I hung up. But they drove Noah to my dorm,
texting:
[Come down.]
[Or we’ll find your advisor tonight.]
I really didn’t want to deal with it, but it was already 10 PM. The dorm closed in half an
hour. My roommates were already in bed, and
<
I didn’t want to disturb them.
I grabbed a coat and went downstairs. It was
freezing. Only Noah was there, under a dim
streetlight, wearing a gray coat, spinning a
silver lighter, the red flame flickering,
illuminating half his face.
He looked up when he heard me. His gaze
seemed vulnerable, lost, even sad.
“Ethan,” he said. “It was just a game. Why are
you taking it so seriously?”
