Unraveling Threads
College feels heavier these days with the new semester. It's like the weight of my actions has settled into the air, pressing against my chest with every step I take. It's a strange thing, walking these halls and knowing I've changed the trajectory of so many lives. Dan's, Zulu's, my own. I've tried to bury myself in schoolwork, keep my head down, and avoid the glaring signs of what I've disrupted, but it's impossible to ignore the damage.
Dan's hurt looks are the worst. He doesn't speak to me anymore, not even in passing. His eyes dart away when I catch him in the hallway, but the pain in his expression lingers like a bruise. I used to think I'd feel relief, knowing he and Zulu didn't betray me this time, but it's only hollow. Whatever connection we had, is gone, replaced by silence and avoidance.