The Disappearances In Darris University

Something Was Strange...

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Andi was a spirited 20-year-old attending Darris University, where her unconventional mannerisms often set her apart from her peers. 

While most of her classmates followed the crowd, Andi embraced her uniqueness, a quality that many found off-putting. They often labeled her as strange, whispering amongst themselves that she wasn't smart enough to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering—a challenging field that required both intelligence and resilience. Instead of letting their judgments affect her, she would simply roll her eyes, a silent yet powerful response that conveyed her indifference to their opinions. Deep down, she knew her capabilities and was determined to prove them wrong, using their skepticism as fuel to drive her ambition.

After a long, exhausting day, Andi returned to her cozy dorm, a sanctuary filled with life and warmth. The soft glow of fairy lights twinkled above her, casting a gentle radiance that highlighted the lush greenery of the plants adorning every corner. Scattered sketches lay across her desk, each one a glimpse into her creative spirit. The walls were a vibrant tapestry of posters, showcasing her favorite artists and inspirations, adding splashes of color to the space. Andi had carefully curated her surroundings, embracing a rich color palette of deep browns, warm reds, and earthy greens, transforming her dorm into a true reflection of her personality and making it feel like home.

She flopped onto the bed, letting out a deep sigh that seemed to release all the tension of the day.

As she rolled over in bed, she reached for her headphones, eagerly slipping them on before selecting her favorite playlist. The familiar melodies filled her ears, creating an energizing soundtrack for her study session. With a renewed sense of determination, she pushed herself up from her cozy blankets and sat at her desk, surrounded by neat stacks of textbooks and notes. Studying was not just a task for her; it was a labor of love. She thrived on the challenge of learning new concepts and mastering difficult topics, finding joy in the process of discovery and understanding.

But the more she worked the more her mind slipped further and further away.

You see, at Darris University, unsettling rumors began to circulate, capturing the attention of both students and local authorities. For the past month, a mysterious phenomenon had been unfolding—students were inexplicably going missing, with no clear explanation in sight. Despite multiple investigations by the police, the source of the problem remained elusive, leaving the campus shrouded in an air of uncertainty and concern.

Andi couldn't shake the nagging curiosity about the missing students. It felt as if the deeper she delved into the investigation, the more tangled the web became. Every new lead brought more questions than answers, and the mystery only seemed to deepen. 

She shook her head and returned to her work; she didn't need to be thinking about such things right now. She studied for hours until the moon shone down and the rain poured heavily against the window. It was only when her phone buzzed that she finally stopped.

A message from her one and only friend, Cedar, lit up her phone screen. Cedar shared the same enchanting spirit as Andi, a connection that felt almost magical. Both girls reveled in the beauty of the natural world, finding joy in the rustle of leaves and the vibrant colors of wildflowers. Their unique sense of fashion combined grunge punk styles with earthy tones, creating looks that either captivated their peers or raised a few eyebrows. Their hobbies, ranging from painting landscapes to foraging for herbs and collecting, set them apart in a school environment that often favored conformity over creativity.

Cedar shot her a message that read, "Hey! Meet me at the café across campus—I've got something exciting to share :)"

Andi rose from her cozy desk and reached for her messenger bag, which was a vibrant canvas splashed with paint and adorned with an array of eclectic pins that reflected her personality. Each pin told a story, showcasing her interests and experiences. Without wasting a moment, she slipped the bag over her shoulder and hurried out the door, her excitement bubbling over at the thought of meeting Cedar. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as she made her way to the nearby café, determined not to keep her friend waiting for even a second.

"Hey!" Andi exclaimed, her voice a mix of nerves and excitement as she settled into her chair across from Cedar. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, ready for whatever adventure lay ahead.

Cedar's lips curved into a warm smile as she glanced over at Andi, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, giving her face a soft, rosy glow. "Hey..." she whispered, her voice barely above a gentle murmur. 

Andi leaned back slightly, crossing her arms with a casual nonchalance, though the eagerness in her eyes betrayed her calm demeanor. "So... what's so important that you had me come over here for?" she asked, trying to maintain a cool exterior, but the anticipation was evident in her tone.

Cedar shifted nervously from foot to foot, the dim light of the room casting a warm glow around them. With a hesitant smile, she asked, "I wanted to ask you... if maybe... you'll go to a party with me?"

Andi tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together in thought. "Oh, I don't really like parties... but, sure." Her words tumbled out almost reluctantly.

Cedar's eyes brightened for a moment, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Really? Like... a date?"

Andi's heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. "What?" The question hung in the air, thick with disbelief.

Cedar's voice softened, as if every word weighed heavily on her. "Well, I'm asking you out."

A rush of panic flooded through Andi. She had always been uneasy about dating and the public displays of affection that often accompanied it. The very idea felt suffocating. She cherished Cedar as her best friend, but this—this was different, a territory she didn't wish to explore. "I'm sorry, I... you know how I feel about that stuff."

Cedar's expression faltered, her smile dimming into a frown. "I know, I was just hoping... but it's fine." Her voice strained as she forced a fragile smile, trying to hide her disappointment.

Andi's heart ached at the sight of Cedar's sadness. "We can still go to the party, right?"

"No, it's fine." Cedar's voice was clipped, the coolness of her response cutting through the warmth that had filled the room moments before.

Feeling the weight of her friend's discontent, Andi felt a pang of sorrow. "Come on, don't be mad."

"I'm not mad; I just... I thought we had something more," Cedar admitted, her voice trembling as she struggled to contain her emotions.

Andi rushed to reassure her, desperation creeping into her tone. "Of course! You're my best friend!"

"Am I?" Cedar's voice carried a thick undercurrent of hurt, and Andi could hear the anger barely concealed beneath it. She knew Cedar was battling to keep herself composed, to prevent the tears from spilling over.

Andi offered her a bright, encouraging smile, hoping to bridge the gap that was widening between them. "Yes! Even if I don't love you like that, I still care for you, more than I can say." The sincerity in her voice hung in the air, a fragile lifeline in their heated conversation.

Cedar nearly knocked the chair over as she stood up. "I need to go." 

Andi called after her, "Wait!" 

"No!" Cedar snapped, grabbing her bag and rushing out.