Mary stopped in front of room 219, her suitcases and bags clutched tightly in her hands as she took a deep breath. The hallway smelled of fresh paint and floor wax, a sterile scent that made her miss the cinnamon candles her mother always kept burning at home. "Alright, Mary. Your roommates on the other side. Lets make a good impression with 'em!" she muttered to herself, trying to pump herself up. Her nerves had been on edge all day, both due to excitement and uncertainty, but she pushed it aside until now. Mary sighed as she closed her eyes briefly, feeling the cool metal of her cross necklace pressing against her collarbone. "Lord, *please* let them be nice," she prayed under her breath. Opening her eyes, she reached out, turned the doorknob, and pushed open the door. The sound of laughter spilled out into the hallway, making her stomach clench with a mixture of fear and curiosity.