Roommates

No snow at UCONN before Christmas.  Leaves got colorful, withered, and fell.  Grass on the great lawn along Route 195 went from green to a Winter brown.  But no sledding on Horse Barn Hill.

Julie had heard of exciting rides down the slope.  When snowflake piled on snowflake during the holiday break, she asked her Dad to tie the flexible flyer on the SUV before driving back to Storrs.

When her roommate Heather arrived, Julie talked up an adventure.

"Sledding sounds great," Julie said.  "Fun, thrills, fresh air.  Guys too," she added figuring to attract Heather.  When both went to parties, Heather sometimes didn't return to their room until morning, all aglow.

"Come on," Heather said, thinking Julie disapproved.  "We're only young once.  Let's enjoy life and love while we can."

Julie didn't exactly disapprove, but kept her response to "Don't worry, I'm looking."

After dark, the roomies bundled up, carried the flyer, and followed other students to the Hill.  Most of the slope was wide open, except for one barren tree which had to be avoided. 

The girls made a run.  Julie steering, Heather hanging on.  Both fell off laughing at the bottom.  More students had arrived by the time they hiked back up.

"Jack," Heather exclaimed.  "Julie, OK by yourself if I go with Jack?"

"Sure, I see someone I'm interested in," Julie replied.

"Great!" Heather said, going off with Jack.
         
Heather hoped her roommate would begin to live more.  Later she saw Julie finish a run with another girl, so it didn't look like that was going to happen soon.

After enjoying the night, Heather was surprised to find her dorm room empty.  Julie finally came in, all aglow too.

"Ah," said Heather.  "Now I get it.  Good for you."

The two roommates shared a hug.