The Stern Hall building stood in front of me, with its reddish bricks and carefully manicured garden. There was something comforting about its classic appearance. I opened the door with the electronic key I had been given at the check-in and took a deep breath before entering.
The hallway was wide and filled with boxes and suitcases. Several doors were open, and the voices and laughter of other students filled the air. I looked for the number that corresponded to my room: 214. When I arrived, the door was already ajar. I tapped lightly before peeking out.
Inside, a red-haired girl was bent over a box, pulling out what appeared to be books. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and her clothes were simple: jeans and a light green T-shirt. Hearing the knock, she looked up and smiled.
"Hello! Should you be my roommate? She said excitedly, putting down the book in her hand.
"Yes, I'm Lindsay. "I went in with the suitcase and placed it next to the free bed. She held out a hand, which I shook with a shy smile.
"I'm Megan. Nice to meet you. I hope you don't mind that I chose this bed. I arrived a while ago and couldn't wait to unpack.
"No problem. "I quickly observed the space. It was small but cozy, with two beds, two desks, and a shared closet. From the window you could see a part of the garden.
Megan sat down on the floor again to continue organizing her things. She took out a couple of photographs and carefully placed them on her desk. I noticed that one of them featured a large family, all smiling under a clear sky.
"Is it your family?" I asked, pointing to the photos.
—Yes, there are many of us. I laugh softly. "I come from a small town in Kentucky. It's nice, but not much happens there. Stanford is a huge change for me. And you? Where do you come from?
I paused, hesitating for a moment. There was something about Megan's warmth that made me comfortable, but I wasn't ready to share too much yet.
"From a place where it snows a lot. Is... different from this. I smiled, hoping that the answer would be enough.
Megan seemed to accept it without question.
"It must be beautiful in winter." I've always wanted to see real snow, not just the little flakes that fall once a year in Kentucky.
"It is, although it can also be a nuisance. Removing snow from your car every morning is no fun.
We both laughed, and for a moment, the initial tension disappeared. I sat up on my bed and began unpacking, while Megan told me about her town: the local festivals, the star-watching nights, and her grandmother's endless pie recipes.
"You seem very close to your family," I said.
"I am. It was hard to say goodbye, but I knew this was the place I needed to be. Stanford is like a dream come true. And you? Why did you choose to come here?
I paused again, searching for the right words.
"I want to help people. I study medicine because I care that people are well, that they receive the care they need. I think if I can make a difference, even if it's small, it will have been worth it.
Megan stopped what she was doing and looked at me admiringly.
"That's incredible. Not many people are so clear about what they want to do. I'm still figuring out my way. I came on a scholarship, you know? My family couldn't afford something like this any other way. I'm studying Political Science, but I'm worried that I'm not up to the task.
"That's awesome, Megan. You're here because you deserve it. And if you made it all the way to Stanford, I'm sure you can do anything.
Megan smiled, though she looked thoughtful.
"Thank you. I think I needed to hear that. I hope we can support each other this year.
Before I could answer, someone knocked on the door. A blonde girl with short hair poked her head out, smiling broadly.
"Hi, I'm Lucy, the mentor of this apartment. We are organizing a meeting in the common room so that everyone can get to know each other. It starts in fifteen minutes, are you in?
Megan and I looked at each other, and then nodded in unison.
"We'll be there," I answered.
Lucy smiled and left, leaving the door open. Megan looked at me with a knowing smile.
"Well, I guess it's time to socialize.
"I suppose so. I replied with a smile.
As we walked towards the common room, my thoughts drifted to Sack. I wondered how he would be. He wasn't exactly the most sociable person, and although he had insisted on having a roommate, something that surprised me, I doubted that living together was being easy. With his character, a single room would have made more sense. We had only known each other for a few weeks, but I felt like we had formed a unique bond, at least from my perspective.
"All right?" Megan asked, looking at me curiously. Apparently, my silence had not gone unnoticed.
"Yes, just... I was worried about Sack," I said without thinking. I instantly regretted seeing her eyes light up with curiosity.
"Who is Sack?" Is he your boyfriend? She asked with a mischievous smile.
"No, nothing like that. He's my friend. We met a few weeks ago, but we connected. Is... different.
"Oh, I understand. Is he here at Stanford too?
"Yes, but it's in another building. He's more of keeping things to himself, so I hope he didn't have any issues with his roommate. It's rare that he decided to share a room.
"And what is he like?" Megan insisted, clearly interested.
"It's... complicated. He may seem cold and aloof, but deep down he is someone very loyal and with a big heart. Although he would never admit it. I smiled when I remembered it.
"Sounds interesting. I would like to meet him. Megan smiled excitedly just as we arrived in the common room.
The room was full of girls, all chatting and laughing. Lucy was in the center, giving directions on the dynamics.