When Thistle wakes, near to the end of her first semester of magic college, learning why she has always 'felt' another side brushing up against her mind, she wants to throw up. 

Trying hard not to wake her roommate, she gets into the bathroom, but only manages a few false heaves. It's not until she has a few moments to decompress, that the feeling is recognisable as deep, painful homesickness. 

So she splashes water on her face, throws a coat over her PJ's, slides into her shower flip-slops, and grabs her hearing aid. She tucks it into place as she leaves her room heading for the payphones. Perhaps Quentin had a point when he said Brakebills' was 'somewhat ableist.'

She dials her home number, praying her favourite person would pick up.