The room was finally complete—a cozy little haven that felt more like home than Gabriel had expected. The pastel blue walls were soothing, the twin beds neatly made with soft blankets his mother had tucked in just so. On the desk, his books were already arranged in a careful stack, and a small photo of him with his parents from a family vacation rested beside his lamp. Through the wide window, Gabriel could see the campus bustling with life, the energy of the place tangible even from up here.
He let out a long, deep sigh as he took it all in. It was almost ready. He was almost ready.
"Looks good, huh?" his dad said from behind him, hands on his hips as he surveyed the room.
"It's perfect," Gabriel replied, his voice tinged with nervousness and gratitude.
His mom stood by the bed, brushing imaginary dust off the comforter. "It's a beautiful campus, Gabriel. You're going to love it here."
He nodded, biting his lip. He wanted to believe that.
After a little more fussing and some last-minute instructions from his mom about laundry and healthy eating, it was time. Time to say goodbye.
They walked together to the car, the air growing heavier with every step. Gabriel hugged his dad first, a solid embrace that conveyed more than words ever could. Then he turned to his mom, who immediately wrapped him in a hug so tight it nearly crushed him.
"Be good, okay? And call us if you need anything," she said, her voice trembling.
"I will," Gabriel promised, his own throat tight with emotion.
As she pulled back, he saw tears shining in her eyes. He looked away quickly, trying to blink away his own. "I love you guys," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"We love you too," his dad said, clapping a hand on his shoulder.
Gabriel stood there, waving as the car pulled away, the sight of it growing smaller until it finally disappeared. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He loved them both so much, and watching them leave felt like a piece of him was being pulled away.
When he turned back toward the campus, the weight of the day settled in fully. He was on his own now.
###
Walking through the campus, Gabriel's thoughts were all over the place. He tried to focus on practical things—classes, schedules, how to find the cafeteria—but his mind kept circling back to Eli.
There was something about him, something easy and natural that made Gabriel feel seen. It wasn't just the way Eli had helped him with his bags or the confident way he carried himself. It was the little things—the way he'd smiled, the warmth in his voice.
Before Gabriel knew it, his feet had taken him somewhere completely unfamiliar. He stopped and looked around, the realization dawning on him: he was lost.
The wide paths and towering buildings all looked the same, and there were no signs to tell him where he was. Anxiety started to creep in, a familiar tightness building in his chest.
"Okay, don't panic," he muttered to himself, scanning the area for anything or anyone that could help. But the courtyard was eerily quiet, the hustle and bustle of earlier nowhere to be found.
He wandered in one direction, then another, but nothing looked familiar. His breathing grew shallow, and his vision blurred slightly as the panic clawed at him. He pressed a hand to his chest, trying to calm his racing heart, but it only seemed to get worse.
Then, out of nowhere, a voice cut through the haze.
"Hey, you okay?"
Gabriel looked up to see Eli walking toward him, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern as he took in Gabriel's pale face and trembling hands.
"I—" Gabriel tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat.
Eli closed the distance quickly and crouched slightly, steadying Gabriel with a firm hand on his arm. "Hey, hey. Breathe. You're okay. Just take a deep breath for me."
Gabriel tried, mimicking the slow, measured breaths Eli demonstrated. It took a moment, but the tightness in his chest began to ease.
"There you go," Eli said softly. "You're alright."
Gabriel nodded, though his cheeks burned with embarrassment. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I got lost, and then... I don't know. I just freaked out."
"It happens," Eli said with a shrug. "This place is a maze. Come on, I'll get you back to the dorm."
Gabriel let Eli guide him, feeling both grateful and mortified. He couldn't believe he'd had a mini-breakdown on his very first day—and in front of Eli, no less.
When they reached his room, Eli opened the door and gestured for Gabriel to sit on the bed. He disappeared for a moment and returned with a bottle of water.
"Drink," Eli instructed, handing it to him.
Gabriel obeyed, the cool water soothing his dry throat. "Thanks," he said quietly, looking down at the floor.
Eli leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "You don't need to be embarrassed, you know. Everyone has rough moments, especially on their first day."
Gabriel looked up, his cheeks still pink. "It's just... not how I wanted to start college, you know? I feel like such an idiot."
"You're not an idiot," Eli said firmly. He stepped closer and ruffled Gabriel's hair, a playful grin on his face. "You're just human."
Gabriel blinked, surprised by the gesture. It was so unexpected, so casual, yet it sent a warm feeling spreading through his chest.
"Thanks," he said again, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Eli straightened up and headed toward the door. "Alright, I'll let you rest. But if you need anything, you know where to find me."
He paused in the doorway, glancing back with a soft smile. "You're gonna be fine, Gabriel. Trust me."
And with that, he was gone.
Gabriel stared at the door for a long moment, then lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't help but wish Eli was his roommate. There was something about him—his kindness, his easy confidence—that made Gabriel feel like he could handle anything.
As he closed his eyes, the events of the day replayed in his mind, but this time, they didn't feel so overwhelming. Eli's words echoed softly, grounding him.
Before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep, the image of Eli's smile the last thing in his mind.