That was the last summer Howard really hung out with the housemates and that crew. He'd stop in and see them at big events but he went onto have his own life separate from the gang. Chuck continued to hang out with them and Howard kind of resented him for that. Not because he wanted Chuck to not hang out with the crew, but because Howard was jealous that he didn't have a crew himself.

The last year of university he spent mostly with completely new people. Any socializing he did was with his co-workers or the residents on his hall. They were cool people. All from different backgrounds. But they weren't a gang like his housemates were. They all had their own friend circles. They assumed Howard did too. Not a total mis-assumption given that Howard had spent every day and night with the housemates the year before.

It was probably strange to others why Howard suddenly stopped hanging out with the people of the Beal House. Why not keep hanging out with them? Why not visit more?

After Johnny died Howard knew an era was over. At least for him. But he probably would've continued hanging out with the crew on a near daily basis if it wasn't for that cigarette out at night with Chuck after doing dishes.

He wasn't missing out on much Chuck woudl tell him. Things had changed. Not just who was around, but also the vibe of the whole place. The meals weren't cooked as well, and nobody seemed excited to make the food or shop. Meals had become an instrumental task now. Half the housemates didn't event want to eat together. There were grumbles of why they had to pitch in for groceries if they were eating out anyways.

It was sad. Howard was glad not to be in the house as this all went on for that would've made him even more sad. He no longer had to cook his meals. The university gave him a meal plan as part of his job.