#Chapter 219: Good While It Lasted

I force myself to keep taking long strides forward. I won’t break down here, in front of everyone. Some of the crowd has even taken to following me. I know the spectacle I must make. I don’t stop walking until I’m entering the building of my new dorm room. The crowd stops at the door, not following me inside. I can feel their eyes peering at me through the glass door however, as I wait for the elevator. It’s the longest wait of my life. When the elevator doors finally open, I slink inside. I keep my composure until the doors close again. Then, like a marionette with the strings cut, I slump against the interior wall of the elevator. I don’t move again until the doors open once more on my floor. Then I push myself forward, the few steps it takes to get to my door, and, once the door is unlocked, into my new living room. I leave my duffle bag and my book bag by the door, shuffle over to the couch, and face-plant flat on top of it. I don’t cry, but I do allow a full body exhale tha