“Cheers,” I say as I pretend to clink the edge of the hard plastic mug in my hands against Felix’s mug. “Here is to finishing off our freshman semester with flying colors. No more finals. No more papers. We are done for the season!” The steam from the hot chocolate rolls off the top of the rich, dark liquid-like dancing ribbons in the chilly air.

“Cheers,” Felix echoes as he grasps the mug in between his fingers. He brings the cup up to his lips and blows, scattering the ...