Oregon State University students always comment on how "dead" Corvallis gets during the summer. It's true; as thousands of students end up moving elsewhere for the summer months, the overall activity of the city is much more quiet and slowed down than it is during the school year. Some find it nice and relaxing, others find it dull and boring.

This is the second summer I have spent in Corvallis. Last year, I found the lull to be enjoyable. I could go about my business and not feel like I was constantly in too much of a hurry or in the way of others as they went about their business. I could give a sullen nod to another fellow summer class student as we can empathized with each other wordlessly. This summer seems a bit more booming, though. While the campus is surely quieter, the city has seemed to have a busier population than last year.

The reason this month is tragic, however, is not because of the emptiness of the OSU campus, but because of the prolonged closure of one of the most beloved landmarks in the area: Taco Bell. As I commute and drive around the city, I pass by the single Taco Bell location almost daily. Ever since they closed this location due to construction a few weeks ago, I have felt a dark pit inside of me growing in size. Some call it a void, a feeling of loneliness, and a longing for human feel. It is, and it has only one remedy: a triple double crunchwrap.

Just this morning I was driving around and I passed by Taco Time, almost considering driving thru it to try and cure this ailment I have fallen under. I quickly realized that it would only make things worse, so I drove past it and then past the closed Taco Bell to allow myself a moment of silence for our fallen prince. Each day I drive by, hoping that the sign is down and the drive thru is once again full of cars. Each day I check, like you might check your phone to see if bae texted back, or your email for a message of acceptance or rejection into a program. Yes, to me Taco Bell is as important as human relationships and possible academic programs. To me, Taco Bell is a part of a life, a way of life, and a life form of its own with which I wish I could share my time and my love.

I know it will return soon and make Corvallis a happier place. Until then, I will continue to wallow. Feel free to send along your thoughts and prayers and share this article with your friends to spread the awareness. If enough Corvallis citizens respond, I will consider holding a vigil so that we may come together to wallow in hunger. See you soon, beefy crunch.