The first time Adam had stepped into the dormitory lounge, he had entertained the sentiment that it was a comfortable place of relaxation.
Not anymore.
He could make out the shapes of taken sofas imprinted on the floor. Even the beige one he had come to call his own was gone, replaced by study desks left as cruel reminders that the lounge anticipated the next punishment.
The multicolored cushions arranged in comfy circles around the fireplace were gone. And so were the students lulled by the warm crackle of dancing flames, their lighthearted voices around fragrant cups of coffee and spicy snacks, and their relaxed smiles as the tension from lessons faded in the cushions' embrace.
It felt barren; sad even to him. Even if everyone believed it was his fault.
Well, they could continue to believe whatever they wanted. His missing sofa held more emotional space in his mind than their irrational contempt.
