As if a nail gun was blaring into my skull, the alarm went off. I got up in a startle and then the grogginess of early morning struck me like a tank. I yawn loudly, slapping the alarm off. I sat on the side of my bed roughing my hair and face. I should not have stayed up so late… Worth it though.

I quietly grabbed my bathroom things and went for the showers. I could not stop yawning all the way there and bumped into Tyler as he was brushing his teeth. I gave him a small wave and he grinned but did not reply since he had the brush in his mouth. I got undressed and turned on the water which was luckily warm. Tyler must have just used it.

“Hey man, had a ton of fun last night! We totally have to do it again,” he said, slightly deafened by the sound of water.

“Yeah, sounds good.” I heard him say bye and leave and I was lost in my thoughts. I read the email about the class changes apparently being due to the illness of a handful of students and the critical condition of one. They decided an hour long class with a ten minute break was better. That also means we now have schedule changes… What a drag.

After what felt like an hour I realized I was just standing with the water pouring over me. Showers open the pores just as well as the mind it seems. I quickly rinsed off and cleaned up. I ran back to my room for my things and headed to class. I gave a small sigh walking towards the room to still see Drill Sergeant Wallen. At least it was only fifty minutes of torture now.

Class began two minutes early as Mr. Wallen seemed angry (of course) about the shortened class periods.

“And that is why it is FUNDAMENTALLY important too-” I can see his disgust at the time already being over. I secretly cheer so loud in my head it would give Tyler a run for his money.

“You going to be playing tonight?” I asked Stan as we gathered our things. As if he was a different person online compared to real life he looked to the ground and gave a small nervous cough. I can’t tell if he was saying yes or no or whatever. I shrugged as he waited for me to leave before quickly rushing away.

“Has he always been like this?” I turned to Sarah who was next to me as we left.

“Best not to think about him much, for his own sake.” I felt bad having her tell me to basically just ignore his existence. Seemed harsh. I devised a plan to get him to be sociable sometime once we play enough Dungeonz together. I still need to make some decent friends.

“Alright.” We parted ways quickly and I went into my next class. Tyler was playing with his phone and barely noticed me. I decided to screw with him… because why not?

I quietly snuck up behind him while he was texting someone and rather than being nosey and seeing who I simply slammed my hands down on his shoulders and yelled.

“What’s up man!” He turned grinning ear to ear as always. Nothing gets past this guy.

“Claude, my man!” I took my seat as everyone filed into their seats.

“Last night was a lot of fun. Maybe we should try and rock an hour or so a night… how does that sound?” As if he would refuse, I just asked to clear my own conscience.

“Dude I am game! You are so good with that wizard!” I hated to tell him I only click like two buttons while he has to dodge and block attacks, keep aggro, and all that kind of stuff.

“Thanks, you are a hell of a tank.” He hit his head.

“Yup, dense as always!” We bumped fists when the teacher came in and everyone settled down for the lecture.

It was surprisingly boring even though it was about some different properties of space we would be studying. But eventually we were dismissed. Tyler was again on his phone by the end of class, I was a bit curious and seeing as I am sure he wouldn’t mind me bugging him, I asked away.

“Everything alright? Not used to seeing you on the phone.” He had a slight frown for a few seconds before turning to me with his trademark smile. I could not help but instill that image in my head, he was definitely worried for a moment there.

“Nope! All is good in T-Town!” He said grinning.

“Well if you need to talk I am here for you man.” I responded reassuringly.

“Will do man! See you tonight! I want to try and get level ten or so and we can tackle the next big dungeon!” He waved and was off. I can’t get that feeling away that something is troubling him. I might just be over analyzing, I am sure Tyler is fine.

Entering one of my next classes of the day I am greeted in a way I would not have usually suspected. I stopped for a brief moment to fix my pant leg when I felt something hit me. It was a cane, no doubt belonging to Whitney. Turning toward the wielder, my suspicions are correct.

“Sorry!” It was her.

“Oh hey Whitney.” She blushed quickly, no doubt recognizing my voice.

“Oh my word, Claude I am so sorry!” I wanted to joke and be like ‘What didn’t see me?’ but that would be rather cold. Funny, but cold.

“No problem at all. I had to fix my pant leg.” She sighed.

“If you are sure you are alright…” If she was this apprehensive about tapping me with her cane, I could only imagine her fear of something like bumping into someone or hitting a table and knocking over a drink. I stop joking about it and realize that must be a fear she lives with constantly. I could never imagine being in her shoes.

“My fault entirely, let’s head into class.” I could see people eyeing us. She gave a tiny smile. We entered and quickly took our seats. The teacher was a few minutes late so Whitney and I talked a bit.

“Are you… busy Friday night?” Once again I am going to hell for thanking God she couldn’t see my reaction. Was she planning on going out with me or something? I was flabbergasted and quickly tried to pull myself together as she looked at me nervously, face burning red. “I-if you’re busy…”

“No, sorry I was just thinking if I had plans.” And the crisis averted. “What’s up?”

“I was just wondering if you wanted to pick up on your offer the other day.” I raised a quizzical brow.

“Hmm?” I tried to remember.

“That I would pay for the next meal.” She said, smiling warmly with her adorable grin.

“Oh right. Got a plan set up I take it?” She nodded.

“If you are not busy, meet me by the gates Friday say about seven?” I nodded before once again needing to respond further.

“Sounds like a date.” I said without thinking. Man am I bad at this. For whatever reason it seemed so natural when it happened that day but now that we are starting to try and make plans it is like another animal.

“O-okay then.” We both just shut up at that point as the teacher came in.

Mrs. Fillow began her lecture rather abruptly and seemed a bit off today. I was then reminded about that student… it must be getting to people. It seemed to me Mrs. Fillow as well as Tyler were taking it hard… or at least I thought. I caught myself drifting off and tried my best to pay attention the rest of class.

I was flipping through the book casually waiting for the dismissal as she gave us the last ten minutes of class to read the last few pages of the novel we needed to finish by Monday. With luck the class ends. I was on my way out before being stopped by Whitney calling my name.

“Huh?” I turned to see her slowly approach me, but not too close as she most likely lost the distance between us and did not wish to run into me again.

“I have a question.” This can’t be good…

“Yes?” I responded hesitantly.

“Are you alright?” That came out of nowhere.

“I am, why do you ask?” She fidgeted with her bag and cane for a moment.

“Your breathing was off today.” Is that like the blind equivalent of staring at someone? Did she honestly also just say that? My breathing was off? Is that a thing?

“I am fine, thanks for your concern.” I wanted to try and change the subject. It does feel weird having people ask you that. “So the gate at sevenish Friday night right?” Her frown didn’t disappear but she nodded.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Yes, I look forward to it.” Before I had a chance to stop myself I replied.

“See you then!” I winced after saying it much to my failure, still unable to change my speech with her around. With much luck involved, the last two classes go on very smoothly. Tyler wasn’t in the gym though, and I am beginning to worry. I returned to my dorm room. I was going to finish some homework before the weekend so I could enjoy my first weekend.

I ran into Tyler who gave me a quick high five before running down the halls. He had clothes on much like a track runner so I assumed he was going to a meet. I remembered the time for my own club. I expect Tyler’s meets up a lot more than mine will. It only took about an hour for the homework and I checked the time. About five or so. I was going to take a walk around town and get used to things there and while I was at it, double check my schedule.

Deciding to quickly stop by work before I eat sounded like the most ideal situation. When the door opened the place was rather packed but I was still met by one of the staff. I took a quick glance at the nametag. Denver, the manager.

“Hey.” I said casually to him. “I am the ASM replacement.” He nodded with a grin.

“Oh? Well that is just swell! You don’t work today though, what’s up bud?” He seemed rather cool and collected.

“Just stopping by to see when I do work.” Without a second thought he responded.

“You work Monday, Wednesday and Friday at five to close. That is fine right? Doesn’t interfere with school?” I shook my head.

“Nope it is fine. Close is at ten right?” He nodded. “Well you seem busy so I won’t keep you.” He waved me off and in those few minutes I expected to take nearly an hour, why I thought so I am not sure. I guess I will walk around one of those clothing stores I saw. I should look at least somewhat decent during my days off. Work and school have uniforms so I am rather strict on those accounts but Saturday nights and Sundays I want to look good. Or at least the best I can with my abysmal fashion sense.

I opened the door and looked around at all the patrons. People were everywhere. How was everyone so busy all the time? Is it still because of the first week of classes? God I hope so.

I slowly made my way around the other people and towards the men's section. I was caught off guard when I glanced over to see a girl inspecting men's clothing. She was also wearing very bulky clothes. The guy in me decided to take a chance and strike up a conversation regardless of what my conscious thought.

“Hey.” I said with a tiny wave. As if I just drew a gun and shot one her she turned to me as if she would snap from that twist. Her eyes opened widely and I thought they would burst. Good lord… I could not help but notice her scarring just like Sarah and Stan’s but this was even worse. Her long hair barely covered the large amount of scars on her face. She drew the shirt to her face and just shook in terror.

“Woah, hey I am so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you or anything. The name's Claude, I go to school at Vanderhall.” I went to put my hand out but realized the futility of the action as she could not see past the shirt. I heard her crying as well… What the hell? I was feeling horrible at this point. A few people started to look at me like I beat her or something. I took a step back to assess the situation.

“Everything alright sir?” An employee came over to me. I was speechless for the time and just glanced from the girl, to the employee to the tiny crowd that was forming. How did I end up in this situation?

It took over an hour for the girl to calm down and leave the store. Let me say that again A FULL HOUR. She was clearly traumatized by something. I am not certain and after that exchange I am going to be extremely overly cautious when I meet new people if that is the way some can respond. I did not know what to do but just stayed there until everything boiled over. I was so glad it all was fixed up and I was on my way.

I was sitting at a local cafe sipping some warm tea trying to calm my nerves. The waitress dropped my sandwich off and was off to another patron when she was called. That was fine. I needed a minute to myself. While I was trying to control my thoughts, my phone buzzed.

>yo man, everything cool?

Yeah. How goes things on your end Aeron?

>pfft sure not as fun as urs

You don’t even know man…

I did not have the heart to tell him I made a girl fall into a panic for an hour, or that I can’t speak to a blind girl or even the fact that a classmate might have died just the other day.

>need to talk?

I took a moment to figure out a response.

I think it might help.

>I am here man, what is wrong?

When he actually takes the time to change his grammar and spelling I can tell he is in serious mode. Guess I can appreciate that in him.

Well for one a girl just died the other day for starters… well I think. I don’t know man. It has been a chaotic day.

>Damn man, are you serious?! I am so sorry bro.

She was a classmate, I did not know her personally but you can feel the dread at school now.

>Your parents did tell me you were going to Vanderhall, it was a school for the … well…

Not normal, disabled, broken you can say it.

>Well still man, I am sorry to hear you struggle. Call me anytime bro, I am here for ya. Don’t fret anything. You’ll always be my bro.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. You are the last one actually still contacting me.

>I am going to take a weekend off sometime and come see you. Work has me pinned a bit but I will burn some vacation if I have to.

I will look forward to it. I just got some tea and a sandwich so I am just going to try and calm myself. Thanks for listening man.

>no probs broham. toodles

With that I closed my phone and sipped on the tea again. I bought the sandwich but did not feel the slightest bit hungry now. My stomach hurts. I did not really know why but I was assuming it was part of the past events that had recently occurred. I took a bite of the sandwich as the waitress made her way towards me so I didn’t look like it was bad. It wasn’t though and I just kept sipping on the drink.

Hey bro you still there?

>yo

You said I can talk to you if I needed to, right?

>Yeah?? Talk to me. What’s up bro?

So I have a question.

>That would be the point of talk to me man.

Well listen. There is this girl at school and I don’t know…

>HAHA My main man’s got a crush?!

Dude shut it. It is more of a situation I know you can handle better than I. You tend to be better with the ladies.

>u came to the right spot

It is nothing crazy, just… I need an opinion.

>im all ears… well eyes in this situation

Right… Anyways, this girl is blind mind you, and she invited me to go out to eat.

>wont have to look ur best then

Literally screw off man.

>haha sorry, go on

I just… we ran into each other once and I didn’t think much of it.

>way to go man, running into the blind girl

No not like that you idiot, we met at a local bar.

>hoho? pray tell

Oh for god's sake man.

>sorrysorry i couldnt resist

Anyways what should I do I guess?

>Just be yourself man. Take it as it comes. I am sure you will do fine. I got a meeting to run to but just shoot me a text if you need, I will check my phone when I get the chance.

Alright, thanks man.

>peace

See you.

>she wont 8D

I don’t even respond to that. I am not much further than I was before… ugh, but I won’t lie, it did make me feel a little better. I just decided to get some food in me since that was kind of why I was here.

I took another bite of the sandwich and bit a nice helping of it. Surprisingly it was very tasty even though it did not have much to it. Just some meat and cheese and Italian dressing. I got another refill on my tea as I felt like relaxing here for a while.

Time slipped by quickly though and it was already nine and I had my share of tea. I think I lost count after six. I was finishing the last portion when I saw someone looking around nervously. I noticed he was in a wheelchair and started coming my way. He looked too formal to be from Vanderhall. He looked at me and I felt compelled to say hi.

“Hello.” He glanced at me.

“Did I speak to you peasant?” Well damn fine.

“Uh? Excuse me?” I blurted out offended.

“Silence, I do not have time for you.” He rolled away and I saw the waitress come up to me with a troubled expression.

“Apologies, Reiner tends to be… hot headed.” She stopped looking in his direction and back to me. “Another refill?” I shook my head thinking another would blow my stomach up. I am going to be in the bathroom all night…

“No no…” She smiled and tore off my bill and handed it to me.

“I apologize again about him.”

“No worries, does he like own the place or something?” She parted her hair and leaned towards me slightly.

“No, but he is the son of the owner.” She stepped back. “Anyways, have a lovely night!” She bowed and was off to another table. I left her a few bucks and went to pay the bill.

I went home to see about ten missed messages from Tyler. It was as if he had an argument with himself.

Hey man I am back, Dungeonz?

>Yeah man! I was just checking the auction house. Log in, I’ll talk to you in game.

Got it.

I did just that, supposing I could spare an hour or two for the game. I quickly logged in and found myself invited instantly to Tyler’s party. There was someone I did not recognize. Also, wait… the auction house? How does he already have money to blow?

Hello Stace, I am not sure we have met.

>>Hey hey! It is Sarah from your Math class or should I say basic training!

Haha right?!

>Yeah Mr. Wallen is crazy! Anyways, enough of him, let us move on! I want to get to this dungeon tonight or tomorrow.

Oh I won’t be on tomorrow, so let’s try to get to it today.

>>Oh? ;)

Nothing big, just got plans with a classmate.

>>Whitney?

I made an audible gasp which made me happy to not be on voice chat. How in the hell? What has spread around… and how quickly?

How did you know?!

>>It is high school, sweetheart, we all chat one way or another.

It isn’t what you think!

>>Oh, well okay then.

>My man Chris! Good one bro, wish you luck!

Thanks. Anyways where to?

Necessary subject change before I spend my blissful MMO experience being harassed.

>Oh right, got a quest to go into a bandit infested town and take it back for the guard.

Got it, lead the way.

We grinded more than we quested after doing the bandit quest. I excused myself for a few minutes while they kept killing as that tea went through my system quicker than I would have liked. It was still amazing no doubt.

Okay back.

>>wb

Thanks. Where to now?

>Well we are level eight and ten is the recommended level for the dungeon, but it is already eleven, maybe we should call it a day.

Sounds good.

>>Right, see you tomorrow, Claude.

Stace left the party.

Tyler logged off.

I logged off as well in the inn and checked my email. I had one from the nurse? Oh it is a second one… which is the same as the first but in much larger font. Wait, this could be good. Maybe he can explain why I am here and if I have something to worry about. I went to bed anxious to meet the nurse and figure out my reasoning behind being here, even if it was just due to our moving.