What we do in the Dark

Chapter Fifteen

***4 years ago***

It was a week into university. I haven't quite gotten settled into my classes or my new home yet. This is my chance to start over, meet better people, better myself.

It's one week in and I have yet to actually talk to anyone. No friends, no one. You know what maybe I'm better off this way. Can't hurt anyone if i have no one I guess.

I was walking home from class. I had moved into an apartment complex near the university. It was a good walking distance, had a good amount of space, it was cozy too. I haven't met any of my neighbors yet. Well not that it really matters.

The September air was warm. I could feel it through my hair. It had been a while since I consciously stopped to feel the wind in my hair. My hair had been very short, like buzz cut short throughout high school. I've been growing it out since I graduated.

I made it back to my apartment. I still get confused about the numbers and floors, but I'm sure I'll get better with time.

I unlocked the door and went inside. It was 2:30, I should probably have lunch now.

Huh...

I stood in my kitchen staring at the utensils and the fridge. I had yet to cook in this apartment, or well really at all. One thing I need to change is my diet. If I'm going to change for the better I should try and eat healthier.

The problem is I don't really know how to cook. My mom taught me a few things but I'm not confident in my current abilities.

I guess I'll just have to go for it.

Do I need a recipe or can I like, just throw stuff in a pot? I rummaged around in the draw.

My mom never used a recipe. I'll be fine I'm sure.

*********************

I sat down at my Kitchen table with my attempt at this pasta. The bottle of sauce said fettuccine, so I guess that's what this is. I put some broccoli in it too. There's no way I could have messed this up.

I picked up a bite with my fork and hovered the steaming pasta near my lips. It burned pleasantly as I placed it in my mouth.

I thought I had something going here, it wasn't disgusting, but it was so bland. How does my mom do it? How does her food taste so good?

I ate the small portion I had made myself. It may have been bland but I wasn't about to waste it.

Nighttime rolled around. My least favorite time of the day. I would probably love it if it wasn't for me not being able to sleep like a normal fucking person.

I had spent the rest of my afternoon doing some homework and studying. These professors don't fuck around. It's only the second Monday of class and I already feel like dying.

I took a hot shower and put on some boxers. It's been nice living alone, because now I get to roam the place in my underwear. Or completely naked, without worrying who might see. I've yet to go completely nude. To be honest I'm just too much of a pussy. But one day, one day.

I hopped into bed cuddling up to my pillows. My mostly naked body pressed up against the cold sheets. I let out a sigh of relief.

Now if only I could fall asleep within the average 10 to 30 minutes. That'd be fucking amazing wouldn't it.

It was 11:30. I'm right on track for my new sleep schedule. I have classes usually at 10 or later. I chose those on purpose because then it would give me more time to sleep.

So if I go to bed at 11:30 spend about an hour trying to fall asleep, that'll leave me about 8 hours of sleep if I wake up at 9. Of course also subtracting 30 minutes for when I wake up in the night to take a piss.