THE UNSETTLING ARRIVAL

Alex's mind was still reeling from the sudden turn of events. Just a few days ago, his father had dropped a bombshell - Alex would be attending Ravenswood University in New York. Alex heard about this luxuries and famous university of New York, and his father's announcement had left him stunned and confused.

As the plane touched down at New York International Airport, Alex felt a rush of excitement mixed with nerves. He had dreamed of this moment, of arriving at Ravenswood University, but the reality was still sinking in.

After collecting his luggage, Alex made his way to the taxi stand. He hailed a yellow cab and gave the driver the address of the street where Ravenswood University was located - Elmwood Street.

The driver, a gruff-looking man with a thick New York accent, raised an eyebrow. "Elmwood Street? You sure you want to go there, kid?"

Alex nodded, feeling a sense of unease. "Yeah, that's where my university is."

The driver shook his head. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. That street's got a reputation."

Before Alex could ask what he meant, a man tapped on the window. "Hey, mind if I share the ride? I'm headed in the same direction."

The driver hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Hop in."

As they drove through the bustling streets of New York, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the towering skyscrapers and neon lights. But as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the city, he started to feel a sense of unease.

When they reached Elmwood Street, the driver dropped Alex off with a curt nod. "You're on your own, kid."

As Alex watched the taxi drive away, he felt a shiver run down his spine. The street was deserted, the only sound being the distant hum of traffic.

He took a deep breath and started walking, his eyes scanning the surroundings. The buildings seemed to loom over him, casting long shadows that stretched and twisted in the fading light.

Suddenly, he heard a rustling sound behind him. He spun around, his heart racing, but it was just a cow wandering down the street.

Alex couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. What was a cow doing in the middle of New York City?

As he continued walking, the buildings grew more ornate, the streets more manicured. Finally, he saw it - Ravenswood University, its Gothic spires reaching towards the sky like skeletal fingers.

Alex felt a sense of wonder as he walked through the gates. The university was even more beautiful than he had imagined.

As Alex walked out of the refreshment area, he couldn't help but feel impressed by the university's grandeur. The owner, Mrs. Jenkins, had warmly welcomed him and shown him around the campus.

He made his way to his hostel, which was located nearby. From the outside, the building looked luxurious, with sleek glass windows and a modern design.

However, as he entered the hostel, he was met with an eerie silence. The lobby was dimly lit, and the air was thick with the scent of old wood. "The University is so luxurious but the lobby??... The room might be good" Alex said.

Alex looked around, taking in the rows of doors that lined the corridors. He noticed that only thirteen rooms were occupied, and one of them was his own.

He felt a shiver run down his spine as he made his way to his room. The corridors seemed to stretch on forever, and the silence was oppressive.

As he reached his room, he inserted his key card and pushed open the door. The room was spacious, with a large bed and a desk by the window. "As expected, the room is luxurious but why their is a sense of loneliness" Alex said.

But what caught his attention was the figure sitting on the bed, waiting for him.

It was Nicole, his childhood best friend.

Alex's jaw dropped as he stared at Nicole in shock. "What are you doing here?" he asked, still trying to process the surprise.

Nicole grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I could ask you the same thing, Alexander."

As they hugged, Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. What was Nicole doing here?

Nicole's story spilled out in a rush - how he had dropped out of school due to poverty, how he had studied on his own, and how his family had made a fortune through trading.

As they chatted, Alex felt a sense of awe at Nicole's determination and resilience.

But as they laughed and joked, a loud crash echoed from the bathroom.

They exchanged a nervous glance. "What was that?" Alex whispered.

Nicole shrugged. "I don't know, but let's go find out,I listened to this sound one week before also , but when I went to the bathroom to find out ...but there was nothing."

Together, they crept towards the bathroom, their hearts pounding in unison.

What would they find?!!

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