Sam's POV

Life is lonely when all you have are paper-chained friends in the rain and the sky only bears the threat of more storms. The world turns cold and lifeless, slowly poisoning my spirit when all I want is a hand to touch or an arm around my shoulders and none arrives. We are meant to love and care for one another from the moment of our birth. We are destined to live in tribes with lifelong social ties. At moments like these, all I want to do is fade away, dissolve in the downpour like those paper-chained friends, anything to end the constant suffering.

As dusk falls, a whisper of flawless darkness transformed into a calming symphony of stars. My heart yearned for someone with whom I could share my fearful heart. Losing Ben was difficult. We grew up together, so when that puzzle piece was lost, I was more heartbroken than ever. My unsightly ears were exposed when a breeze swept through my hair. However, I didn't mind it. All of the students were consuming alcohol to celebrate the end of winter at this time, either at House Justine or House Hickstead. Since Ben's passing was too recent to be commemorated, I decided against going.

The university's library's flower garden was wonderfully illuminated by bronze lights that cast a warm glow upon the vibrant blossoms. I would frequently go here to unwind and regulate my breathing. I could make out the outline of a man wandering through the flowers and taking in their beauty in the distance. He appeared to be an older man, possibly in his late forties. I figured it was a professor who was similarly longing for some solitude. As opposed to what you might expect in a classroom, he was dressed fairly casually. With his arms crossed behind his back, he had a somewhat stiff back.

I quickly shifted my attention away from him and watched the stars twinkle in the night sky. I soon realized that the man was now seated next to me. His beard was untidied and unruly, and he had a sweaty, woodwork-like stench.

He turned his head to face me and gave me a side-to-side glance. I chose to disregard my minor unease and began moving in the direction of the dorm.

Even professors, I suppose, have nothing to do in their spare time.

When I reached the dormitory, Wolf was seated on the red-brick stairway leading up to the boys' halls of residence. Wolf was a tough guy to approach because of his menacing demeanour and expressionless face. He had a thousand different feelings in those icy blue eyes, but he won't confess it.

I walked over to him and said, "I figured you would be busy partying it up with Bryan and them."

He lit a cigarette and muttered, "Not really in the mood."

I sat down next to him without asking and got a pack of smokes out. This nasty habit is one I've only lately developed because it can kill me more quickly.

"Need a lighter?" he asked, offering me his vibrant blue Zippo.

I lit my cigarette and took a deep breath of the nasty chemicals. "How are you?" I asked gingerly, trying to start a conversation.

He hadn't been asked that question in a while, as seen by the puzzled look on his face.

He shrugged and fiddled with the zipper on his jacket, saying, "Good, I suppose."

"I wanted to ask you something, may I?" I asked uncomfortably, barely catching his gaze.

"You really don't need to ask permission, but okay," he murmured with his voice sounding as dry as a bone.

"Well, uh... The Spring Dance is almost approaching. Want to accompany me?" I questioned in a trembling voice.

He asked in a mocking tone, flicking the cigarette bud to the ground, "A dance?"

"Yeah, it's stupid. Forget about it," I cringed as I stood up to walk away from this uncomfortable situation.

"Wait, I haven't given you an answer yet," he said as a grin appeared on his face.

I personally don't think I have ever seen him smile before.

"I'll go with you," he added as he stood up from the stairway.

"What? You will?" I asked in disbelief.

I never would have imagined that he would say yes. To begin with, it was a long shot to ask him, so when he said yes, it almost melted my heart.

He crossed his arms and fiercely added, "On one condition. No dancing."

Wow, this guy just said yes to going to A DANCE with me and his only stipulation is NO DANCING!

I simply accepted his demands without challenging him. Since day one of meeting him, he's always been a person I felt connected to despite his harshness.

"Can I maybe get your number? Then we can chat a bit more over the phone?" I gingerly asked as I handed him my phone.

Without rejecting my request, he took my phone and swiftly typed his digits into my contacts. It was really odd to observe him acting in this manner. He typically gives people the cold shoulder, so his willingness to comply with my request surprised me. Perhaps he wanted to make up for rejecting me earlier today.

Wolf's POV

A morning sunrise never disappointed me. Clouds that drifted in shallow waters moved above those orange hills, which the light had warmed to a delightful flush. The result was a sky that was equally blue and a multitude of greys, with silver and gold streaks.

A message from a phone number I haven't saved yet appeared on my phone screen as I pulled a white shirt over my head.

"Hey! It's Sam. Want to join me on my walk to economics?"

Why did I give her my phone number?

Given that her distinctive scent was permeating my door, I decided not to respond. I felt strange when I smelled that zesty scent. I was unable to describe it. Orange scents are one of my favourites, so I wasn't sure why I felt a raise in my heartbeat when it originated from her.

As I gathered my things, I pulled open my door when Sam stumbled into me. I caught her just in time, before she hit the floor and quickly straightened her up. Upon touching her, she felt cold and boney.

Is she eating enough?

"You shouldn't be leaning against doors," I said with a raised eyebrow.

"Sorry, I just-" she tried to explain as I cut her off.

"We're going to be late, let's go," I huffed as I locked my door.

Since I initially met Sam, she now seemed a lot more guarded. She continuously radiated fear and the feeling that she was treading carefully. I may not be the friendliest person to her, but why won't she leave me alone? For someone who really dislikes attention, I sure attract a lot of people.

Classes are now completely redundant. I was homeschooled for the majority of my life because I was born with a high level of intelligence. That and, of course, my dreaded acting "career." These college courses were really simple for me, and I had no trouble solving arithmetic issues. I found it difficult to relate to other students who spent countless hours studying because the mid-year exams were currently taking place. I wasn't the kind of student who would put everything off until the last minute, though. I can now relish my new car's arrival.

The car is not moved by the wind. Nothing short of a wonderful disaster can stop me from moving forward. The wind that passes through the purifiers is prairie, and the tyres make a constant hissing sound over the wet road. Fields may be seen all around via these blacked out windows. The outer world goes on like some scripted waltz within this tin box that is headed for the horizon, but it lacks the spirit it should. What possible justification is there for me to halt and stroll barefoot on the meadow in the fresh springtime sun? Is there no one who can bravely raise their hand and command, "Stop!"?

I parked my car in the space I had just been given and pushed a button to turn it off. It was incredibly unique and unlike anything I had ever seen. Who would have imagined that we would be able to push a button to turn a car on and off.

As I walked towards the dormitory I could see Sam through the window of the girl's dormitory's foyer standing in front of their mailing lockers. Her entire body was trembling, and she had a distressed appearance. I felt compelled to check on her to see whether everything was okay.

"Sam?" I whispered as I peeked my head into the foyer.

I genuinely adhered to the university's rules requiring that men and women be kept apart, unlike Sam. As she gazed up at me while holding a piece of paper, she passed out and smacked her head against a locker.

"Shit!" I yelled as I hurried over to her.

I didn't even bother to glance at the paper. That was her privacy, and I wasn't about to intrude.

She better not get me in trouble for doing this.

I picked up her slender body and tucked the piece of paper into the pocket of her jacket. I made my way swiftly towards my room and placed her on my bed. 

You better be thankful that I am willing to offer you my bed.