RENDALL

I lay on top of my neatly made bed, gazing at the ceiling of my room in deep thought. Patterns and clouds, painted by my mother during my childhood, adorn the entirety of the roof. Intricate designs that I never truly appreciated until now. It's a testament to my mother's artistic skills, a trait we share and one that fills me with pride.

As I lose myself in the detailed strokes, I'm reminded of my mother's talent. However, as age has caught up with her, she has reluctantly abandoned her painting hobby. A pang of regret surfaces, wishing she hadn't.

The clouds above evoke memories of my carefree childhood and the boundless possibilities each day held. The world was limitless, and fear was a distant concept. Glancing at the clock on my nightstand, I sigh, acknowledging that I must leave soon.

University.

The mere word sends a shiver down my spine, a reminder that I'm about to leave behind everything and everyone familiar. Despite the anxiety, a reassuring thought lingers in my mind-I keep telling myself this is for the best. My first deposit is already in place, a formal commitment to the impending adventure.

I rise from my bed, smoothing out the creases left by my body on the blanket. Turning around, I hesitantly grab my suitcase from the ground and start to exit my room. Standing on the porch, I gaze at my car. Why does this departure feel so difficult? My belongings are neatly packed, ready for the impending adventure, yet doubts linger. Am I truly prepared to step away from the cocoon of my small life with my parents?

"Ulrica, I have something for you." My mother's voice startles me from behind. I jump slightly, unprepared for her stealthy approach. I sheepishly meet her gaze, mirroring her small grin.

"What is it?" I ask with a small voice.

"A necklace. It was your grandmother's, and she got it from your great-grandfather. I know she wanted you to have it, and I do too," she says softly, passing me a small blue box.

Carefully opening it, I immediately recognize the beautiful opal rock-a cherished possession of my grandmother. Its green and blue hues dance together, a mesmerizing spectacle. My mother knew of my affinity for this necklace, and tears began to well up as I gazed at her.

"Thank you," I breathe. This necklace, passed down through the generations, is the perfect parting gift. I look down at the necklace and smile.

"Could you help me put it on?" I ask my mother gingerly.

"Of course!" she says, gently retrieving the necklace and clasping it around my neck. I turn to face her.

"Thank you again. This really means so much to me," I tell my mother.

"I know your grandmother would be so happy to see you wearing it," my mother says with unshed tears in her eyes. "Please wear it always-and think of me."

"I miss her too, Mom. And of course, I will," I say while gently holding her arm. "I'm also really going to miss you guys while I'm gone, but I'm always a FaceTime away," I say teasingly.

After hugging my mother goodbye and giving my dad a small kiss on the cheek, I hit the road. The drive feels long, and I'm already a couple of hours away from my parent's house. Finished snacking on a whole bag of Cheetos (the puffy kind, of course), I decide to stop at a nearby convenience store.

Pulling into the parking lot, I turn off my car and step out, realizing my back is killing me. Walking into the store, I hear the bell chime above me and decide to buy a drink. As I approach the counter, I almost drop the blue Pepsi can. Standing in front of me is one of the cutest guys I have ever seen.

He looks to be similar to my age, maybe a couple of years older. I'm guessing he's about 24 or so. Blonde hair, full lips, piercing blue eyes, and a body made of almost pure muscle. Woah. He gazes at me, slightly cocking his head to the side.

"I haven't seen you around here before," he says, almost narrowing his eyes accusingly.

"Do you know every single person who walks into this store?" I jokingly say that I am trying to make this interaction less uncomfortable.

"Yes."

"Oh," I say while pressing my lips together. This blondie is super weird, I think to myself.

"What are you doing out here? This town never sees new folk," Blondie says.

"I'm actually going to school here. It starts in a few days, so..." I trail off. Can I just buy this Pepsi?

"Wow. Well, you must be a smart cookie to get into Gilgamesh University. They don't usually let in the outlanders," Blondie replies with a coy wink. I smile in return while looking down so he doesn't see my face turn a slight shade of pink. I hand him the Pepsi, and then he hands it back to me.

"No charge; you're new around here. Consider this your welcome gift to Gilgamesh," he says teasingly.

"Uh, thanks." I smile gratefully and turn around to leave. As I open the door to leave, he jogs over to me and gently grabs my arm. Now facing him, my eyebrows draw together in confusion.

He opens his mouth to say something, then shuts it again. "Er, by the way, I'm Dacia. What did you say your name was again?"

"I didn't," I say with a smile, and I wink his way. "Although, if you really must know, my name is Ulrica. Everyone just calls me Ulry, though," I say with a slight shrug and smile.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Ulry," Dacia replies with a slight chuckle. He then looks me square in the eyes and says, "Be careful out here, though; some of us bite."

Finally leaving the store, I get back in my car and start driving down the road. It turns out that the heart of the town of Gilgamesh was only a couple of minutes away from the store I had just been to. I pass by a giant wooden sign that looks like it's slowly deteriorating, which reads 'GILGAMESH est. 1888'. Wow, I think.

This place is so small and beautiful.

I'm suddenly surrounded by dozens of forests and greenery all around me. Opening my car window, I slowly inhale and exhale the fresh air all around me. This is nothing like the city. It's perfect.

Eventually, I make it to my new home. My parents helped me purchase a small apartment, only a 10-minute drive from Gilgamesh University. Unloading everything from my car to the apartment takes a solid 30 minutes, and I'm grateful that most of the furniture came alongside the apartment, so I didn't have much to set up. Slowly putting things in place around the small apartment, I look out the window.

Sure enough, the view is gorgeous. From where I'm standing, I can see a multitude of kilometers of trees and forestry. I mentally take notes to go exploring in the near future.

For now, I just want to take a nap. It really has been a long day.

I begin to strip off my clothes and change into one of my ex-boyfriend's t-shirts. I don't miss him or anything, as we have been broken up for quite a while. It just fits quite largely on me, and it is really comfy. The shirt reaches just under my butt cheeks, and I'm left wearing only a shirt and some pants. I crawl into the bed, under my new duvet covers, and close my eyes.

Suddenly, I peel my eyes open and stare at the ceiling above me.

Maybe I can get used to a ceiling without clouds.

Just like the ceiling of my apartment, the sky the next morning was devoid of clouds. A sigh escapes my lips as I glance up from my crumpled map, futilely attempting to smooth it against my pants.

"God, it sure is hot here," I mutter, regretting my choice of jeans. Anxiety mingles with the humid air, causing sweat to pool in the small of my back. Supposedly, there are campus tours today, but ironically, I can't seem to locate the meeting place.

The campus sprawls like a tiny city, with an apartment-style building to my left and some sort of pub to my right. Debating whether to ask for directions, I opt against it to avoid embarrassment before classes even begin. I study my map again, trying to decipher the labyrinth of roads. Deciding to continue walking forward, I realize I'm going to miss the last tour, and a low groan escapes me.

"I guess this walk will be self-guided."

As I trek forward, the quiet campus reveals a few passersby. With classes not starting until tomorrow, the atmosphere is subdued. Engrossed in the map, I notice a pattern of beautiful faces that prompts me to lower my head, attempting to conceal myself. Regret floods me as I collide with an unseen body.

"Shit!" I mutter, launched backward by the impact. A hand promptly pulls me up.

"I am so sorry," I exclaim, brushing myself off and stepping back. It's the cute guy from the convenience store, but his name has slipped my mind.

"Would you like to join the tour, Ulry?" My face drops as I see the group behind him. "You definitely could use the direction," he smirked.

Nodding, I let myself fade to the back of the group. Faces scrutinize me, making me feel like an outsider. The sea of faces blends together, each possessing different hair and eye colors but sharing the same sharp features and athletic builds. Slightly fuller in shape, I became acutely aware of my rosy cheeks. As I sulk at the back, I remember his name-Dacia. His voice interrupts my thoughts, discussing the library.

"Get used to seeing this building. Seriously, this is where most first-years spend all of their time."

The old structure atop a hill becomes our last stop. Dacia shares the university's history, but my attention wanes as I focus on locating my future classes. When he announces the observatory as our final destination, a chuckle runs through the group.

Everyone disperses, and I check my phone for the next bus. Dacia approaches when only a few people remain.

"It was nice seeing you again, Ulry. I hope we get to see each other again soon." A dazzling smile precedes his eyes falling on my necklace. "Nice necklace," he says before quickly walking away. Frowning, I whisper a "thank you" while unconsciously touching the stone against my skin.

At the bus stop, I join others waiting. The bus nearly lulls me to sleep with its soft vibrations against the window before reaching my apartment. Tired and still embarrassed from earlier, I notice scrapes on my knees. I sign, rubbing away dried blood with my hands and changing into shorts to let the cuts breathe.

My laptop hums on the table as I snack on French fries. Burning my mouth, I devour them hurriedly. Grabbing my laptop, I pull up my weekly schedule, pondering the last class to fill my course list. The options seem strange-from Iccan Studies to Human Sexuality and Creature Studies in Myles. Wondering if you can get a degree in the latter, I shake my head and decide randomly on ancient history.

A knock interrupts my thoughts. I jump, opening the door to find a girl about my age.

"Hi, I'm your neighbor, Tala!" I relax, shaking her hand and inviting her inside. "I'm Ulry; it's really nice to meet you," I say casually.

"Do you go to Gilgamesh University too?" I ask. "And are you going to the party tonight?"

"Yeah, of course! This is the first party of the year, and it might be the biggest. All of the first years are invited!" Tala exclaims.

"I didn't even know there was one," I admit.

Tala grins. "The first day of classes is all syllabus review anyway. If you want, we can go together and look out for each other."

I shake my head. "I don't think that's very good."

Suddenly, Tala grabs my hand, pulling me across the hall to her apartment. "Don't worry; this is going to be so much fun!" She says it with a wink and a wicked grin. Oh boy.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, cringing at the sight. "Big yikes," I mutter wryly. My eyes travel up and down, taking in the borrowed black pencil skirt from Tala, perfectly paired with a cute silver tank top that sparkles in the right light.

Tala and I, in our nearly identical apartments, embarked on a mission to get ready for the party. She insisted this outfit would do wonders for me, complementing my blonde hair and hazel eyes. Still standing before the mirror, I turn around, scrutinizing the entire ensemble.

"Do I really look okay?" I ask tentatively, catching a glimpse of Tala applying mascara behind me. She's undeniably gorgeous, and even in the act of doing her makeup, I find myself admiring her sleek brown hair, brown eyes, and dazzling smile. Paired with a killer body, her confidence is well-founded.

"Girl, yes. I mean, if I were a lesbian," she replies with a teasing wink and a low whistle, prompting a laugh from me. It seems like we're destined to be good friends.

Amidst the pre-party preparations, Tala and I delve into each other's lives. She shares stories about her roots in Gilgamesh, expressing her strong connection to the town. In return, I open up about my life, and our camaraderie deepens. Satisfied with our appearances, we face each other.

"Did you order an Uber, or should I?" I inquire while applying the finishing touches of lip gloss.

Tala shoots me a sideways glance. "Are you serious?" she deadpans. "We're in Gilgamesh. First of all, we don't get 'Uber' out here. And secondly, we're in Gilgamesh," she emphasizes. "Literally, everything is within walking distance," she adds with a small laugh.

"I'm supposed to walk in these boots."

"It's not that far," she dismisses with a wave, smiling and shaking her head. Exiting her apartment, we head towards the party, leaving our building behind.

"So," I start, "whose house are we even going to?"

Tala smiles, about to answer, when a voice from our left interrupts.

"Ulry, baby, we gotta stop meeting like this. Is this fate?"

Dacia.

~

Together, we enter the mansion, which serves as the party venue. The place is enormous, with music echoing and a sea of people making movement challenging. Dacia casually drapes his arm across my shoulder, making it seem like we've been friends for years. He engages in conversation with Tala, who has indeed known him for years. As it turns out, in this tight-knit town, everyone seems to know everyone-except me.

Taking in the grandeur of the place, I notice the expensive-looking walls adorned with numerous wolf photographs. Odd, I think, before my attention is diverted as a stranger hands me a red Solo cup filled with an unknown liquid. My gaze shifts to the man, realizing I don't recognize him at all. I discreetly check him out, appreciating his short buzz cut, brown hair, and physique that could make any girl happy to wake up next to.

"Ulry." I introduce myself with a small smile, extending my hand.

"Holden," he responds, shaking my hand. "Is Ulry short for something? I've never heard of it before. It's beautiful," he compliments, bringing his lips to my hand. Suppressing a giggle, I reply, "It's Ulrica. It seems too formal to me."

Dacia interjects with a playful remark, claiming dibs on me. We share a laugh, and as I express the need for a new drink, Holden suggests we continue our conversation later.

~

After several rounds of beer pong, I find myself quite intoxicated. Correction: I'm wasted. Tala and I have indulged in selfies, shots, and beers, and amidst the drunken haze, I notice her engrossed in drunk texting one of her exes.

"I need some fresh air," I declare, my eyes fixed on my hands. However, Tala is preoccupied, venting on her phone. Standing up, I begin swaying as I make my way to the front door of the mansion. Many partygoers have dispersed, leaving a few couples dancing to the music. I cringe at their public displays of affection.

"Get a room!" I shout hazily towards a couple before giggling and exiting the house. Stumbling down the driveway, I start walking down the dimly lit road, struggling to keep my eyes open. Suddenly, I collide with someone-or something. The figure in front of me morphs, creating a surreal experience.

"Sorry about that," I apologize with a slight frown, realizing I'm not in a coherent state. The person snaps back venomously, demanding I don't touch them and using the term 'human.' Perplexed, I walk away, mumbling incoherent thoughts.

Walking back into the house, I find Tala and Dacia. Dacia picks up Tala, planning to take her back to her apartment, and invites me to join. Checking the clock, I decide it's late and opt to accompany them. During the short walk, I chose not to mention the strange encounter with the person down the street.

~

Wishing Dacia and Tala goodnight, I enter my apartment as they head into hers. Unperturbed, I grab some water before preparing for sleep. Settled into my bed, wearing just a large t-shirt and pants, I become aware of the thin walls that separate us.

And how close of friends they are.

I can now clearly hear Tala's moans through the walls, accompanied by rhythmic pounding. Despite the hallway between us, the sounds are unmistakable. Grabbing two pillows, I press them against my face and ears, attempting to drown out the noise. However, it's futile against the consistent screams seeping through the walls.

After enduring a few more minutes, I decided to step outside to ease my pounding headache. Everything is intensified when I drink, and with the alcohol's effects waning, every sound exacerbates my hangover. Clad in the same attire I planned to sleep in, I exit my apartment.

I refrain from interrupting whatever is transpiring between Tala and Dacia, knowing he possesses stamina evident in his physical build. Locking my apartment, I begin walking down the hallways of our building. As I progress, the soft grunting from Dacia becomes harder to hear.

I breathed a sigh of relief once outside in the fresh air. It's quiet, with only the soft sounds of crickets filling the night. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply. It's a far cry from the unintentional hardcore entertainment I endured earlier, which admittedly left me flustered.

Suddenly, I'm still swaying slightly. My closing eyes make me feel like I'm on a rocking boat. Yes, I'm still hammered. I snap my eyes open, adjusting to the surrounding lights.

I need to walk to sober up.

Taking a small path I hadn't noticed earlier, not far from my apartment building, I walk slowly, attempting to steady myself. An uneasy feeling settles as I sense someone nearby. My heart races, and the sense of safety I felt moments ago wanes. Picking up a stick, I clutch it to my chest, peering around the forest.

"This is my weapon," I announce, my voice slightly shaky. Instantly, someone clears their throat behind me.

I jump, turning around. The man takes my stick and breaks it in two. Stunned, I can't form a sentence, and the stranger raises an eyebrow.

"How is a stick going to protect you?" he chuckles. We haven't made any physical contact, yet his gaze makes it feel like we have. Before I can reply, he mutters something about "mate," though I'm not entirely sure. Suddenly, I doubled over, vomiting all over his shoes.