Mirae

Simula

Simula

Little Cyra's First Day

Capriciousness made the future scary. It was why people planned for the future every day. They have two, three, or even five backup plans to make sure things go smoothly in their lives. Rarely were free-flowing minds. But planning never equated to certainty. Many knew that, and today, someone found out again—a child.

The little nervous girl with blue hairclips on her head trod to her classroom while pulling her stroller bag. It was little Cyra's first day in her new big school. This one was bigger than her last, where she left her friends. She was confused and a bit angry at her parents for abruptly taking her away from her old school. But when she first stepped into her new school where the buildings were tall and the canteen had ice cream, her ill feelings subsided.

The little girl named Cyra lived in Pampanga when she was younger. She was birthed in Manila, though. Her parents lived with her mother's family for some time while bulking up their bank accounts to buy land in the urban. When Cyra was five, her parents finally bought a piece of land on which to build a house.

Now, the little seven-year-old girl lived in a bustling city and studied in a school where she knew no one. But her parents assured her that she'd make new and many friends at this new school. It was big, after all. Surely, kids would make friends with the new girl, the cute new girl.

Twisting the doorknob, little Cyra opened the door and saw the room filled with students who wore the same uniform as she did. The teacher in front instantly smiled at Cyra. A bit shy, Cyra doesn't enter the room immediately.

"Speaking of! Class, I'd like you to meet another new student, Cyra Kapili. Hi, Cyra!" the teacher announced while she walked towards little Cyra.

Hesitantly, Cyra smiled at the miss before looking at kids her age. They all stared at her with curiosity, especially the boy at the end of the room on the far left. He took her attention.

Ang laki ng eyes niya, little Cyra thought.

The boy continued to look at her like the others as Cyra walked in front of the class. The miss guided Cyra while walking as the little girl looked at the design of the whiteboard. There were paper flowers and waves on its edges and some colorful drawings on the glossy board. A big 'Welcome back, students!' was written in the middle.

"Go on, introduce yourself, Dear, say your name, which school you came from, your age, and your favorite snack." Cyra's teacher whispered to her when they reached the front.

Gulping, little Cyra looked back at the crowd. The quiet and focused faces of the students made Cyra tremble. But she bravely spoke, like how she practiced at home. "Hi, I'm Cyra Kapili. I came from Pampanga's Integrated School. I'm seven years old and... my favorite snacks are Boy Bawang and... Fishda."

When Cyra heard someone clap, her head moved to find who clapped, she saw the boy who had big eyes. Sumunod na sa palakpak ang iba, may isa pang student na ngumiti kay Cyra.

"Thank you, Dear. Sit there, beside Marco," the teacher softly told Cyra while pointing at the empty seat in the last row of the third column of chairs.

Little Cyra pulled her bag again and walked to her seat. The teacher began to give an introduction. At the back, Marco merely stared at Cyra while she put her lunchbox near her feet. Cyra looked around and saw other students who also had a bag like hers. She smiled at that.

Good thing I chose this type of bag! Cyra thought to herself.

"Hi," a whisper enters Cyra's ear.