With determined steps, Richard endeavored to steer his thoughts away from the oppressive weight that clung to his psyche. His footfalls resonated through the corridor, each echoing stride a conscious effort to create distance between himself and the relentless turmoil that seemed intent on engulfing him. The world around him receded as he focused on the rhythm of his gait, an anchor to keep his mind from straying into the depths of despair.
As he continued on his solitary journey down the corridor, the flickering torchlight cast ever-moving shadows upon the walls, mirroring the turbulent churn within his soul. The faint murmurs and laughter from distant parts of the academy provided a stark contrast to his internal struggles. Richard's determination was etched in the firm set of his jaw and the unwavering intensity in his eyes, his unyielding resolve carrying him forward, step by step, into the unknown night.
