CHIHIRO | Billie Eilish

Chapter 1: Arrival

Author's POV

Nayla stepped off the plane, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Heathrow Airport buzzed with activity around her, a cacophony of languages and accents that made her feel both thrilled and overwhelmed. Clutching her carry-on bag, she followed the signs toward the exit, mentally rehearsing her plans for the next few days. London, a city she had dreamt about for years, was now her new home.

As she rode the Tube to her apartment, Nayla gazed out the window at the city rushing by. Her reflection, framed by the iconic red and white Tube seat covers, showed a young woman with wavy brunette hair that fell just past her shoulders. Her brown eyes sparkled with anticipation, though they also held a hint of trepidation. At twenty, Nayla was about to embark on the next chapter of her life, having been accepted into University College London for her master's degree in education. Teaching had always been her passion, and the opportunity to study at such a prestigious institution was a dream come true.

Nayla had always felt a strong calling to teach, inspired by the dedicated teachers she had as a child. But the path ahead wasn't easy. The cost of living in London was notoriously high, and with no job lined up yet, making ends meet would be a struggle.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the train announced her stop. Nayla wrestled her luggage through the crowded station and emerged onto the bustling streets of London. The air was cooler than she was used to, a crispness that carried the promise of autumn. She took a deep breath, savoring the moment. This was the start of her new life.

Nayla's apartment was a tiny, one-room flat in a slightly rundown building. The paint was pale, and the narrow stairs creaked under her weight. She fumbled with the keys before finally opening the door to her new home. The room was sparse, containing a bed, a small desk, and few other pieces of furniture. Yet, despite its size, it was hers.

She set her suitcase down and flopped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "I'm really here," she whispered to herself. The reality of her situation started to sink in. Balancing her studies at UCL with the need to find a job would be challenging. She'd need to be frugal, careful, and disciplined.

Nayla unpacked her things methodically, each item finding its place in the small space. She put up a few photos from home, reminders of the family and friends she had left behind. Her heart ached with homesickness, but she pushed it aside, focusing on the excitement of what lay ahead.

Later that evening, as she sat at her desk, Nayla planned out her schedule for the week. Her classes at UCL, her job hunt, and time for studying were all meticulously noted. She knew she'd have to be diligent to keep up with everything.

Nayla paced back and forth in her small apartment, her thoughts racing as she spoke aloud to herself, using her journal as a makeshift planner.

"Okay, Nayla, listen up. You're in London now, and you need to be smart about how you handle your money. The cost of living here is no joke, so you've got to come up with a plan to save as much as possible."

She grabbed a pen and a notepad, jotting down her thoughts as she spoke.

"First things first, transportation. No more splurging on Tube rides when you can walk, right? It's not only cheaper, but it's also a great way to explore the city and get some exercise. So, note to self: walk everywhere possible, save those pounds."

Nayla nodded to herself, feeling a sense of determination wash over her as she moved on to the next point.

"Eating out? Nope, not gonna happen. From now on, it's all about cooking at home. I'll stock up on essentials—rice, pasta, canned goods—and get creative with my meals. Eating out is a luxury I can't afford right now, so it's time to become a master chef in my own kitchen."