JessyJeffrey, who hadn't moved or spoken, finally detached himself from the wall. He walked past Mark without looking at him, his entire body radiating dark hostility. He was furious, not just at Ben, but at me for forcing the issue. The university quad was a riot of green grass, bright sun, and happy, naive students. It was the antidote in pure form. We walked across the manicured lawn. Ben was on my left, cheerful, pointing out the library and the common areas. Jeffrey was on my right, silent, a looming shadow of violence."So, Jessalyn, what are you planning to study?" Ben asked, genuinely interested. "I'm pre-med, but I spend most of my time on the rowing team." "English literature," I said. The words tasted dusty and irrelevant. "Cool. Big plans?" "No," I replied, honestly. "Just filling a requirement." Jeffrey let out a soft, contemptuous sound—a breath of disbelief—that was instantly masked by the crunch of his shoe on the gravel path. Ben, oblivious, turned to
Last Updated : 2025-12-07 Read more