17

Alex stepped inside Alex's building, he paused momentarily as he took in the sight in front of him. While the place hadn't changed since he lived there almost a decade earlier, he knew he wouldn't live there any more after today. A wave of sadness washed over him as he realized that he would have to leave everything he had grown accustomed to so suddenly.

He took a deep breath as he began walking down the hallway to the elevator. He didn't bother pressing the button but instead just leaned against the wall as he considered whether he should tell his roommates before he left. They would undoubtedly be worried sick, especially considering all the recent strange occurrences and the fact that he seemed determined not to answer their questions about who the mysterious figure was, even though there was no logical reason to continue lying to them.

Before he had reached a decision, however, he heard someone call out his name. He turned to see Sam walking over to him, concern clear in her features. Without a word, Alex headed down the hallway toward her and wrapped her up in a tight embrace. She didn't return it immediately, instead rubbing circles into his back comfortingly while murmuring softly, "Oh, sweetheart...I wish there was something I could do to help."

She reluctantly released him and led the way

to his dorm room, glancing over at him every few steps to check he was okay. Once they arrived at the entrance of his room, she grabbed his arm and said, "Come on, darling. Let's go sit down."

"Sam, I don't want to make you worry…"

"Oh hush, darling." Sam scolded.

Alex frowned and looked away briefly before nodding hesitantly and following her over to his bed. They sat down side by side, Alex's feet curled up under him and his shoulders slumped slightly. After a few seconds, Sam reached over and grasped his hand reassuringly, giving it a gentle squeeze. She smiled at him sadly and then looked down at his hand in hers, watching as his fingers curled gently around hers.

"Sweetie," Sam began quietly, "There is something I've been meaning to tell you, but I wasn't sure if I should. You see, I know we've talked about marriage before and I think you are pretty wonderful but…"

"But, you're scared." Alex finished for her and she nodded softly.

"It makes sense really. What's wrong with you is pretty terrible. I know that

you love her, so of course, you care deeply about her. But…what happens when the person you love turns out to not be able to return those feelings anymore? I feel helpless because I've tried so hard for years to keep her happy, but it seems like all of my efforts are being wasted. So maybe…maybe I am doing nothing but wasting my life away. And if I waste it away thinking about her and worrying about her and worrying about us, then maybe I should end it. Maybe I should just find a nice guy and settle down and live happily ever after."

Her tears streamed from her cheeks unchecked and her words came out in broken whispers as Alex listened to the sound of her voice. He opened his mouth a couple of times and then closed it without saying a single word. He couldn't understand what she was trying to say. It wasn't his business anyway. All he had done was meet her and then he would be gone forever. That's all he had ever wanted anyways. He was tired of having people constantly asking him to leave and never wanting anything from him. Why should he expect any different for his mother?

After a couple of minutes, she stopped crying and simply sat staring blankly ahead. Her face was expressionless and her breathing was ragged and unsteady. He watched silently as her chest