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“This is Addy, you know what to do.” Kyle heard the voicemail of Adeline Strayer say. He found it ironic, because although she was supposed to be his girlfriend, he hadn’t heard from her in weeks, and because of this, he really did not know what to do. So instead of leaving yet another message, he just hung up the phone. 

With the campus closed for a second straight day, Kyle had made plans to hang out with Dmitri. Though he knew that he should probably go over to The Garage to train, he understood that he needed some down time otherwise he’d end up burning himself out, which would only lead to him making a mistake that would get himself or someone else for that matter, killed. And that was something that he wouldn’t allow. Unfortunately, the plans that he had made with Dmitri had fallen through. Just as Kyle was getting ready to leave his dorm room, Dmitri had sent him a text message.

“SRY, Can’t make it. Have to work. SMDH”

Though his plans were shot, Kyle had headed out anyhow. It was an unseasonably warm day, so Kyle thought that he’d go out for a bit and take advantage of the nice weather. He made his way through the campus, and aside from the a few students making their way to and from the campus center, the campus seemed deserted. As he walked, he found himself thinking about the recent events not only in the city, but the events that had so completely altered his life. His mind drifted to the riots two nights prior, as well as the strange meta human woman who he had left for the police the night before, however, his mind always drifted back to the night that Ronnie had been killed. Since that night, Kyle had carried within him an anger that had never been there before. And though he felt responsible for Ronnie’s death, he wanted nothing more than to find the man who pulled the trigger and make him pay. Unfortunately, the trail had gone cold. He didn’t know if he would ever find the man who had murdered his best friend. He did know, however, that he would never stop looking. 

As Kyle rounded the corner that would lead him directly to the campus center, he saw Sam sitting on a bench just outside the library. It wasn’t until he had already started toward her did he notice that she was not alone. Sitting beside her was his ex, Kerri. Since their breakup, Kerri and Kyle had not exactly gotten along. She was constantly directing barbs at him, and he was not above returning the favor. In fact, things had gotten downright nasty between them, to the point where they both just chose to stay clear of one another, which was easier said than done considering that they traveled in the same social circles. However, since Ronnie’s passing, their frigid relationship had seemingly thawed slightly, almost to the point that they could be in one another’s presence and not want to kill each other. Still, despite Kerri showing genuine concern for Kyle at Ronnie’s funeral, Kyle preferred to keep his distance. He thought that maybe it was best if he pretended not to see them, and just keep going, however, it was too late. Sam had seen him as he had set a course toward her, and called out to him. Reluctantly, he continued toward them. 

“Hey.” Sam said as he approached she and Kerri. 

“Hi.” Kyle said, before meeting Kerri’s gaze, and letting out a slightly awkward “hey.”

“Hey.” Kerri said as she looked down at the ground. “Hey Sam, I gotta run, I’ll catch up with you later.” She said as she got up and turned to leave. 

“Oh, okay. I’ll see you later.” Sam said, her voice slightly more upbeat than it had been in weeks. 

Before Kerri left, she turned to Kyle and put a hand on his shoulder. “Kyle, if you ever need to talk…I am here for you.” 

“Thanks.” He said as Kerri turned and made her way up the sidewalk back toward the dorms. 

As Kerri disappeared from view, Kyle sat down next to Sam on the bench. As he took a seat beside her, he noticed that she had been writing in her notebook, which she promptly closed. Though he was curious as to what she was doing, he didn’t ask what she was doing. 

“How are you?” He asked, genuinely concerned. Although he knew that she had been having a hard time dealing with Ronnie’s death, she seemed to be taking it extra hard. 

“I’m dealing.” She said. “Not very well, but I am dealing.” She confessed. 

“I know what you mean.” He told her just as an idea come to him. Although they had both attended Ronnie’s funeral; neither of them ever really had a chance to say goodbye. There were so many people at the service all looking to get some sort of closure that is two best friends had seemingly been pushed aside. 

“Come with me.” Kyle said as he stood up.

“What? Where?” Sam said, unsure of what Kyle had in mind.

“Trust me.” Kyle said as he reached out, offering her his hand. As he took her hand in his, Kyle felt something, and from the look on her face, Sam may have felt it too. It was almost like a jolt, though not necessarily a physical one. He felt something in the pit of his stomach- excitement, comfort, something else. It was almost as if the pent up feelings that he had for Sam finally forced their way out and made themselves known. He looked to Sam, and for the first time in weeks, she gave a smile. Not the forced, insincere smile that she had faked for the sake of everyone else, but an actual, honest, smile. 

“Let’s go.” Kyle said as he led the way.