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The floor was left slippery with water, and when I stepped on the wet tiles, she gave me a forceful shove. I lost my balance and fell, plummeting from the dorm building. The wind rushed past my ears, and blood filled my nose.
Before blacking out, I couldn't fathom why my genuine concern led to this.
If I could do it over, I'd let her fend for herself.
Thankfully, fate gave me a second chance, back before it all happened.
Seeing Sarah, as excited as last time, I stayed silent.
"I'm warning you, when I go, don't beg for my tips or get jealous."Sarah moved fast, with a holiday coming up, planning to travel."Your loss for not joining me."
As she spoke, she packed our shared toiletries and disposable towels into her suitcase.
"I found the links for these, so I deserve more."
She justified it boldly. I didn't care anymore.
To avoid trouble, I left the dorm early, renting a place off-campus.
As I left, Sarah was still engrossed in packing, her eyes glued to her deal - hunting app. She muttered to herself like a broken record, "I'm broke, give me a big coupon, a huge one! Can I get a one - cent meal, a one - cent latte…"
Her rambling was bordering on unhinged.
I don't mind saving money, but Sarah's obsession was unhinged.
I glanced at her one last time and shut the dorm door.
I never imagined it'd be the last time I'd see her" normal."
Three days later, my counselor called.
"Jessica, do you know where Sarah is?"
"Where did she go during the break? Any clues?"
This time, I hadn't tracked her." No idea. She said she was traveling. I saw her in the dorm before I left, then nothing."
"That's bad! Sarah's been out of touch with her family for three days—no texts, no calls!"
The counselor sounded panicked.
It had nothing to do with me, and I owed Sarah nothing.
"Jessica, come to the dean's office. The police need your help."
Since she was my roommate, I couldn't avoid getting involved in her disappearance. Reluctantly, I headed back to campus.
In the dean's office, the police and school officials looked grim.
"You have no idea where Sarah went?"
I nodded."I don't know her plans."
Sarah's parents jumped up, wailing.
"I don't care! We sent our daughter to your school to study, and now she's gone! The school's responsible!"
Sarah's mom threw a tantrum, rolling on the floor. Her dad knelt, crying, filming the officials and police.
"Look at these monsters!"
"Our rural kid finally made it to the city, and now she's lost!"
"The school must compensate! We worked so hard to raise a college student!"
Their sobs were exaggerated, but as I watched, I couldn't help but think of Sarah's obsessive penny - pinching ways.
