Abyss of Shades

Chapter 6: The Burden of Expectation

With a palpable sense of anticipation, I was brimming with eagerness to recommence my academic pursuits in the second semester of my inaugural year. Foremost among my expectations was the prospect of reconnecting with Kimwele, whom I had been looking forward to seeing for quite some time. The college buildings, which had undergone an extensive overhaul during the break, were a sight to behold. The shiny surfaces of the canteens, lecture halls, library, labs, and other facilities were a testament to the dedication and hard work of the college administration.

Regrettably, the arid climate in the region had created a veritable storm of dust, which threatened to mar the beauty of the campus. Nonetheless, the warm breezes that swept through the campus were both refreshing and chaotic, depending on the perspective of the observer. Some saw the gusts as a welcome respite from the heat, while others found them to be a source of disruption.

With all my belongings packed away neatly in my room, I made my way to Kimwele's abode, eager to catch up on all that had transpired during the break. We exchanged stories, laughed heartily, and reminisced about old times. Our conversation flowed smoothly, and we lost track of time as we savored each other's company.

As the evening wore on, I couldn't help but reflect on the challenges and opportunities that awaited me in the new semester. I resolved to redouble my efforts and make the most of the resources at my disposal. With renewed enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, I bid Kimwele farewell and made my way back to my hostel room, eager to begin the next phase of my academic journey.

Upon my return to my hostel room after seeing Kimwele, I could hear familiar voices from  the cozy abode where I stayed. As I made my way down the hallway, I could hear the sound of chatty communications emanating from my room. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by the cheerful presence of all my roommates who had arrived earlier and had already settled into their respective beds. They were in the midst of an animated conversation about their holiday adventures, their laughter and animated gestures filling the room.

Their voices trailed off as they noticed my presence, and their faces lit up with excitement at the sight of me. I was immediately engulfed in warm, welcoming hugs, and the love and brotherhood that we shared was palpable. We spent the next few hours engrossed in conversation, sharing stories and catching up on each other's lives. As the evening wore on, Kimwele interrupted our banter, reminding me that it was time for supper. Abdirahman nodded in agreement, reminding us that it was also time for the Salat al-'isha, the final Islamic prayer of the day.

I quickly changed into a fresh shirt and headed towards the canteen, with Kimwele following closely behind me. As we walked towards the canteen, Kimwele informed me that we were not supposed to dine in the canteen, but rather, we were to venture into town for supper, as a way of commemorating the start of the new semester in style.

We strolled through the winding streets of the town, enjoying the sights and sounds that greeted us at every turn. We eventually settled on a quaint little restaurant, where we indulged in a sumptuous meal and lively conversation. As we savored our food and basked in each other's company, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that we had forged over the course of the previous year.

As the night wore on, we made our way back to the dormitory, our stomachs full and our spirits high. We bid each other goodnight, feeling content and at peace, secure in the knowledge that we had each other's backs and that the new academic year held great promise for us all.

*****

After seamlessly transitioning into the college environment, I eagerly anticipated the commencement of classes. My resolute intention to ardently immerse myself in my studies and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of academic excellence was unwavering. Being an introvert by nature, I was not inclined towards socializing or forging new relationships, but rather was solely fixated on the achievement of my scholastic goals.