Love Amidst the Madness

Life in shambles

Sofia's pov:
I woke up to the same familiar feeling of emptiness. My room was a mess, a reflection of my chaotic life. Clothes scattered everywhere, empty food packets, and unwashed dishes piled high in the sink. My messy black hair cascaded down my pale face, and I felt like I was drowning in my own despair. After the endless staring competition with the ceiling, "Get up, Sofia!" I told myself, tossing off the worn, faded comforter. But the motivation was short-lived.

As I gazed out the window, watching the sunrise paint the sky with hues of pink and orange, I felt a fleeting sense of peace. Nature had always been my solace, a reminder that there was beauty in the world, even if it seemed lost in my own life.

But reality soon kicked in, I knew I couldn't avoid the day any longer.

I dragged myself out of bed and began my mechanical routine, getting ready for another day at school. My movements were devoid of enthusiasm, a reflection of my hopelessness.

As I walked to school, the quiet morning air was my only solace. The sun was hot, but I didn't care; at least I didn't feel suffocated by the walls of my own home.

In class, my friend Layla waved at me, a beacon of normalcy in my chaotic life. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and for a moment, I forgot about my troubles.

Author's pov:
Holding the broken strap of her bag Sofia walked towards her seat. Her smile was empty even though she cherished Layla's presence a lot. Still she couldn't shake the feeling of being less, of being pathetic and insecure with Layla's perfections. She doesn't hate or envy Layla. She just want to be a person who is loved by herself at least.
Drowned in her thoughts Sofia went towards Layla.

"Hey, girl! How's it going?" Layla asked, concern etched on her face.

"It's going," I replied, shrugging my shoulders and slumping into my chair.

"What about the upcoming mids?" Layla asked chewing gum while spinning a pencil in her hand.

"Nothing much. Just gonna wing it." Sofia couldn't careless about her studies. She was okay this way.

Layla raised an eyebrow. "Sofia, you can't just wing it. You need a plan."
The teacher entered making both of them to end this Convo and focus on their lectures solely.

Sofia's pov:

I knew she was right, but I didn't have the strength to call.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the lecture, I realized I hadn't taken any notes. I was lost in thought, my mind wandering to the mess that was my life.

"Sofia, what's wrong?" Layla asked, noticing my distraction.

I sighed, feeling the weight of my struggles. "Just thinking about my life, I guess."

"Why haven't you noted a single word from this lecture? You have no notes of the previous week as well." Layla was agitated at this non serious behavior or she wasn't. I am not sure. But I think she cares a lot about me.

I stared blankly at Layla, who was meticulously packing her books in her bag, every item perfectly aligned. Lunchtime had arrived, and my stomach growled with hunger.

"Let's proceed, Layla!!" I exclaimed, tired of waiting.

"Sofia, don't irritate me!" Layla snapped, her perfectionism getting the better of her. "Just leave it as it is."

I scoffed, sometimes finding her obsessive nature annoying. My bag, on the other hand, lay on the floor, half-packed, a stark contrast to Layla's precision.

As we walked out of the classroom, Layla complained, "We're extremely late; all the good food must have been sold out by now."

I tutted and continued walking in silence, holding my lunch box, which I had prepared myself. Layla went to purchase lunch while I sat on a bench, watching students scatter around, some eating, others walking, and some playing games.