A Feeling About You

CHAPTER 3: A New Beginning

The morning sun paints the sky in hues of pink and gold as I walk with Aiden toward his new school. The excitement in the air is palpable, but I can sense my little brother's nerves through my chroma empathy. Aiden's emotions surround him like a symphony of colours, each note carrying a different meaning and intensity.

His worries manifest as vivid streaks of deep amber, tinged with streaks of grey and indigo. The uncertainty he feels paints the edges of these hues with flickers of pale gold as if he's seeking a glimmer of hope. As we reach the school gates, his emotions remain an ever-shifting canvas, painting a unique portrayal of his state of mind.

"Adira, wait... " Aiden's voice quivers, his emotions dancing around him.

I turn to face him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. You've got this, Aiden. You're strong and brave, and people will accept you for who you are. Remember, you're not alone in this."

Aiden looks up at me with teary eyes, and I can feel the weight of his fear like a tangible presence. The colours he emits seem to form a complex tapestry of emotions, woven together in a way that only I can perceive.

Taking a deep breath, I suggest, "Let's do that breathing exercise we practiced together, okay? Remember, focus on your breath, close your eyes, and think of things that make you happy."

Aiden nods, and together, we begin the exercise. He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and I can feel his emotions gradually settling into a more peaceful rhythm. The colours that surround him become more harmonious as if the different notes of his emotional symphony blend into a soothing melody.

"Focus on your breath, think of things that make you happy," he recites, his voice steadier now.

"That's it, Aiden. You're doing great," I encourage him, feeling a sense of pride for how far he's come.

As Aiden finishes the exercise, he opens his eyes, and a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. "I feel better, Adira. Thanks."

"You're welcome, little bro," I say, ruffling his hair playfully. "You've got this, and I'm proud of you."

We share a final embrace before he heads into the school, his backpack slung over his shoulders. I watch him for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions - worry for him and hope that he'll find his place in this new environment.

As I head towards my high school for my first day of grade 9, I notice another student walking with a young boy towards Aiden's school.

I find myself captivated by this student's appearance as his gaze locks onto mine. He stands tall, a striking figure with jet-black hair that falls gently over his forehead, adding a touch of effortless charm to his look. His eyes, a mesmerizing shade of hazel, hold an air of warmth and depth, as if they carry the weight of countless emotions. In that moment, it's like the world around us fades away, and all I can see are those captivating eyes, filled with an unexpected familiarity.

The curiosity in his expression mirrors my own, and I can't help but feel a spark of intrigue. As our eyes remain locked, I sense a magnetic pull, as if there's an unspoken connection between us.

"Adira?" he says, his voice tinged with surprise.

I stop in my tracks, trying to place where I might have seen him before. He seems familiar, but I can't quite remember where we might have crossed paths. And then, it clicks. He's Kai, my first friend from my old neighbourhood.

A rush of memories floods my mind, taking me back to our carefree days as kids. I remember the playground we used to play in, and laughing our hearts out reenacting scenes from our favourite movies and shows.