Uncle's Obsession

al'

the clock on my nightstand. It was already past 8 a.m., and my classes started at 9. Thankfully, my college was only a 15-minute walk from home. But that was irre

ly started feeling more awake. My mom's voice rang in my ears again, reminding me to hurry up. It wasn't unusual for her to

, pursuing his dream job, and we're all so proud of him. My younger brother, on the other hand, is still in college and a constant source

rown crop top, and a matching shrug. Casual but stylish enough to get me through the day. Satisfied, I grabbed my

ng the newspaper like he always did every morning. "Good morning," I greeted them with a small smile, si

lder. He nodded, and we both headed to the car. The drive to college was quiet but comforting. Dad wasn't muc

it. I chose a seat in the middle row-close enough to hear the professor but far enough to avoid catching their attention. As I pulled o

s. Her real name is Samaria Smith, but everyone calls her Samy. We've been best friends since the first day of our first year. I still remember how we met. I had nervously entered the classroom, scanning the rows of unfami

t of my thoughts. "Bored alre

. We shared a knowing glance, both silently co

rt-lived as I remembered we still had math next. My mood dipped even further. I wasn't b

. She told me about her weekend trip with her family, and I shared a few stories about my annoying younge

mbing explanations. As the professor started writing equations on the board, my mind wandered to more pleasant thoughts. I thought about my hobbies-sketching, drawi

ncing the characters' lives. It was inspiring, in a way, and I often found myself wondering if I could create such c

kly straightened up, pretending to be engrossed in the professor

home, curl up on my bed, and let the day's exhaustion melt away. I packed my things and waved good

As always, he was punctual, and I appreciated his unwavering supp

ed, glancing at me

ng back against the seat. "Physics

u'll get through it. Just

I changed into my comfy pajamas and headed straight to my room. I pulled out my sketchbook, deciding to unwi

se s