My eyes dart around the room, searching for Phillip, since he is the only person to offer me a seat at lunch, but I don’t see him right away. The cafeteria is larger than I’d expected, with round tables that seat eight crowded all the way to the windows at the back. I am amazed anyone ever finds a place to sit here and debate just finding a corner somewhere quiet to eat. I saw students sitting in groups on the floor outside the gym as I walked from class, and they seemed perfectly happy. “I’m so tired of being alone,” a familiar voice says behind me. Unsure of what she said, I just smile hesitantly. “Oh…uh…I’m just looking for somewhere to sit.” Nicole shifts on her feet and glances around. “Well, you can sit with me if you want,” she offers in a rush, looking regretful almost instantly. “That would be great, if you don’t mind,” I reply honestly. She nods and motions for me to follow her. We end up sitting in a nook created by an entrance to a lecture room across from the gym, silently chewing on our respective lunches.
