Is closing in

Last night was one of the most emotional nights we've had on the 3rd floor kitchen. Jasper, our resident Dutchman, was the first of many to leave. From here on out, one by one, we would be disappearing. We said our goodbyes.

Jasper left Japan this morning, July 31st.

My subconscious reaction makes itself quite clear in the form of an epic dream. I was suiting up for battle, a full suit of armor, six javelins strapped to my back, two shields on my left arm and shoulder, a small sword by my waist, and a gigantic helmet with a tiny slit. My other friends from this dorm geared up as well, in war garments that, I suppose, my subconscious mind deemed suited to each of them. For instance, my very athletic friend, Ian, resembled a Spartan, or at least Frank Miller's idea of a Spartan. And my other friend, Robby, about my height but well-built from football, dressed like a gladiator.

I remember my friend Steven helping me put on my armor. He asked me, in a manner unique to his sarcastic tone, "Do you really need all those spears?"

"Yeah," I answered.

And there we all were, preparing to fight some unknown enemy. And we rushed into battle, the sound of steel clashing and torn flesh and screams of pain and aggression resonated in my helmet. I could barely see through the slits for my eyes, but I hurled my javelins, one by one, impaling my foes. When I had no more javelins, I brandished my sword and sliced through my enemies. I cut a man's neck open, turning his head to a pez dispenser.

At that point, our enemies slowly dispersed, the sound of their footsteps gradually faded as they ran away. The battle had ended abruptly, ending as quickly as it began. Apparently the man I beheaded was their leader. We gathered our troops, counted our losses, determined our casualties. And it was then that we realized that Jasper was no longer with us. He had fallen, slain by arrows. We circled around his body, bowed our heads in mourning. I removed my helmet, the metal made a heavy thud as it hit the pale brown dirt.

The last time I saw Jasper, he was walking back to his room the night before he left. Down the long hallway to his room, his shirtless body gradually grew dim in the distance, under the fluorescent lights.

My poignant dreams etched his memory to my mind. It may be years before I'll see him again, or anyone else from this dorm, for that matter, depending on what part of the earth they'll be returning to. But his memory and all our memories of this place, of this year, will forever remain in our hearts.

Just as everything begins, so must everything end. And the end...