The Loudest Silence

Mason

I trudged into the dull room, duffle bag in tow along with a determined attitude. I was here to complete a mission and I intended on fulfilling it. I came to a halt half way into the room as I stood in front of two identical beds connected to two small desks. I let out a sigh as I recalled living in a room identical to this three years back when I was a student actually attending the university. 

"Second time's a charm." I mumbled irritably to myself as I fixated myself onto the tiny bed. The bed itself wasn't very long in length and would no doubt leave my feet hanging over the edge due to my height. My eyes danced over the tidy room before my gaze fixated straight ahead where another bed lay. Though the room was currently unoccupied, the personalized bed sheets along with posters littering the wall above the bed was enough to indicate that my roommate had reached the room before I did. 

As I sat there in the empty room, memories of my life three years ago consumed me. I thought back to my very first day as a freshman in college where I was curious, naive, and agitated. The whole day before college move in was spent fretting about the new journey I would be embarking on, and what life had in store for me. I lightly scoffed to myself in pity of the person I used to be. Little did I know that a few years down the line I would be facing the greatest tragedy in my life, not only changing my outlook in life, but the person I used to be.

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by someone obnoxiously pushing the door open, causing it to slam against the wall as they filed into the room, a bucket of laundry in their hands. 

I watched carefully as the boy, who looked to be about 18 years old struggled with the laundry basket that was half his size. His thin arms looked as if they were about give out any moment because of the weight of the basket and before I could lend him a hand he dropped the basket onto the bed in front of him.

He distractedly let out an exhausted sigh and swiped a hand over his forehead to wipe off a few beads of sweat that had formed. He seemed to be oblivious my company in the room as he tried to catch his breath. I cleared my throat to announce my presence which caused him to jump in fright at my voice. I concealed a snicker that threatened to slip as he quickly turned to face me. The boy who looked to be a freshman wore large glasses that covered half his face. His curly hair lay disheveled atop his head and he wore a thin T-Shirt with a comic book sketch on it. He stood at an average height and was incredibly scrawny which explained his struggle with a laundry basket earlier.

"Sorry, I didn't realize anyone was in here!" He exclaimed as he a ran a hand through his hair. His eyes darted back and forth as he avoided looking into my eyes and a red tint covered his cheeks. 

I simply waved him off in response before turning to my duffle and pulling out a few files that included information about the case and those involved in the investigation. Seeing as I needed to know exactly who and what I would be dealing with, I quickly began pulling out the pile of papers. Leaning against the headboard of the bed, I flipped through numerous pages, acquiring substantial pieces of information about my targets. I ignored the firm set of eyes that I felt on the side of my head from my roommate and continued skimming through the pile of papers. 

I was in the middle of reading a two year cold case that was possibly associated with the suspect when I heard a throat clear.

"So whats your name? I didn't think I would have a roommate since the paper said I would be occupying this room alone." He questioned as he pushed his glasses up his nose. He was sat cross legged against the wall on his bed staring at me, as he awaited a response.