The room creaked as the wind pushed through the tiniest of cracks to breathe over my body as I got ready to go.

The crackling rain calmly disputed with the boisterous wind, leaving a mess of leaves and dark spots on the smooth grey concrete below.

Seeking my approval, they stroked my face and swept my hair in attempt to sway me.

These efforts had not been effective, as they only left me damp and disheveled.

Their abuse of one another poured over the window, spattering the blood of the other into my room with each blow.

Regardless of any of their attempts, I still had to leave.

And so I went.

The wind pushed the door shut, but could not hold the position, leaving no dispute, and I carried on.

Goodbye my friends.

My quitting of the room was not indicative of the quitting of the foul toil outside.

The violence persisted, screaming through each window as I passed, gathering debris in my curls.

Following the anger, came helpless cries, pleas for my acknowledgement, fingers wisping the hairs on my arm, but my only response was the goosebumps that came involuntarily.

The stairwell contained no windows and I went down, leaving the clouds to deal with their unruly children.

"The views expressed, [in this article] reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”