As the weeks passed and the whirlwind of freshman life at Essex College began to settle, Leighton found herself enjoying the rare moments of solitude in her dorm room. With her three roommates scattered across campus for the afternoon, she cherished the quiet—her thoughts her own, the noise of the world outside muffled.

But her peaceful bubble was abruptly broken by the soft creak of the door, followed by the jangle of keys. The sound of someone entering, dragging suitcases and bags along, pulled Leighton from her thoughts.

She turned toward the doorway, brow furrowing as she glanced at the unexpected figure now standing there. With an inquisitive tilt of her head, she asked, “I’m sorry—who the fuck are you?”