I used to be upset with the world for introducing us and then whisking you away, but now I'm at peace with it. Because I am missing you right now, I am unable to consider another. In doing this, I have gotten the closest to independence that a soul like mine is capable of. I can only be grateful for this, despite the fact that it is a difficulty.

Ben's demise was weeks ago now. For our dorm, it was a difficult moment. As they strolled down the hallways with their heads lowered, men had formed into vulnerable beings, carrying their heartbroken emotions on their faces. Even though I had never known him before, I could see that his kindness and ingenuity had a positive effect on several students. In honour of his short lifetime, all of his paintings and sculptures were displayed in the university's foyer. It was quite a captivating sight to see flowers and notes left beneath a photo of him, smiling happily.

The Winter House Games had started and I was still somewhat confused why they called it the "Winter Games" when it's quite clearly Springtime. Before the opening of the games, a huge banner was held up by the cheerleaders and football players in honour of Ben while we sang the National Anthem, which I didn't know one word of.

Jared and I walked over to the tennis court and as we took a seat on the bleachers, Dante and his coach were having a serious discussion about what only I can imagine his gameplay. Dante took his place on the court, and the match quickly began. Dante and his opponent were the greatest of enemies during that given play. However, they remain respected opponents on the same court right after the winner is announced. They both love tennis and the poetic nature of the sport.

Dante joyfully jogged over to us after the tournament while clutching his gold medal in his hand. He joyfully tucked his medal into his backpack and exclaimed, "That was too simple."

As we walked toward the football field, I smiled, "That was actually rather fun to see. Have you guys seen Bryan?"

Jared replied as he climbed to the stands, "I haven't seen him."

As they took their seats in the bleachers I said, "You guys go ahead, I'm going to see if he's in his dorm room," and waved them off as I made my way back to the dormitory.

The jubilant crowds' bustle had subsided, leaving the hallways silent. I swiftly knocked on Bryan's door, which was only slightly ajar. When I heard no reaction, I leaned gently inside the door looking at Bryan sitting by his desk studying with headphones on.

His head jerked up as he saw me and quickly took off his headphones. His eyes were rather red and full of sadness. I could feel his pain as I inspected his demeanour.

"Everything okay?" I whispered as it felt too quiet to talk loudly.

"I'm good, you can come in if you want," he offered as he closed up one of his textbooks.

I walked over to him and took a seat on a plush carpet since I could tell he needed some companionship. I was never at ease handling other people's belongings for comfort. A person's bed or even a desk chair, in my opinion, is a type of seclusion. It's a location where you can fully unwind without being disturbed, and I wouldn't want to taint their haven of peace.

"You really don't have to sit on the floor like a dog," Bryan chuckled as he collapsed onto his bed.

"I'm not a dog. I just prefer not to touch your stuff," I said as I stretched my legs in front of me.

"You touched my ukulele last time," he smirked as he looked over at me with those dark brown eyes of his.

I chuckled a little, "I couldn't help myself, it was genuinely an object that completed your amusing style. Why don't you join the others outside? I assumed you enjoyed sports."

He groaned, staring aimlessly at the ceiling of his room, "The football field makes me long for a life I could've had before my accident."

"There will come a time when you can no longer lament the loss of a dream. Your current life will be easier the sooner you realise that," I spoke, maintaining my focus on him.

I soon made my way back to my room with a hint of confusion on my face. Sam was standing in front of my door, seemingly ready for me. I believe that rather than her presence, what confused me was the fact that she didn't lock pick my door. When she glanced up and saw me, her eyes had a hint of melancholy in them but were also filled with an overwhelming sparkle of excitement.

"Hey," she smiled shyly as she loosened up her stiff body a bit.

"What do you want?" I groaned, longing for a bit of alone time.

"I thought we could maybe hang for a bit?" she gingerly asked as I unlocked my door.

"I don't really want to. We can talk another day," I said with little to no emotion and closed the door behind me.

I lacked the energy to engage in more conversation today. I simply desired full privacy for the remainder of the afternoon. I felt at peace in my room, and the absence of any other applicants for dorm rooms makes it feel more like, well, mine. I later joined the two wooden bed frames, bought a double mattress for myself, and lo and behold, I had made my ideal chamber, which I could enjoy by myself.

Yes, the loss of Ben still weighs heavily on my heart. My heart was left with the stag's hoof print as well as the prints of two wolves. Since there is no way to change the past, we must simply move on. Everyone is affected by death in some way throughout their lives. You don't have to be their friend, relative, or roommate to sense the profound hole left by a missing person.