The Unseen Child

First Day

The first day of secondary school arrived, and Jayn's nerves were on edge. As she navigated the unfamiliar campus, she realized she wasn't alone in her confusion. All the Sec 1 students looked just as lost as she did, scrambling to find their classrooms and figure out their schedules. The sprawling campus seemed to stretch on forever, with towering buildings and winding corridors that seemed to lead to nowhere.

"Okay, everyone! Gather around!" Ms How, their form teacher, called out as she stood outside the classroom. Her warm smile and kind eyes put Jayn at ease, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her. "I know it's a lot to take in, but don't worry, we'll get through this together. I'll show you around the school and introduce you to the other teachers."

Jayn's primary school classmates had all gone to different secondary schools, so she was starting from scratch. The fresh start was both exciting and intimidating. She felt like a small boat adrift in a stormy sea, unsure of which direction to steer.

Despite her apprehension, Jayn found comfort in the caring demeanor of her teachers. Ms How offered words of encouragement and support, but Jayn remained quiet and reserved, observing her new surroundings with a mix of curiosity and caution. The classroom was filled with the hum of nervous chatter and the scent of freshly waxed floors.

"Alright, class," Ms How said, as they settled into their seats. "Let's go over the syllabus and expectations for the year. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about anything. I want you all to feel comfortable and supported." Her voice was like a soothing balm, calming Jayn's nerves.

As the day went on, Jayn began to feel a sense of belonging, albeit a small one. She was no longer alone in her apprehension, and that realisation gave her the courage to start exploring her new environment. The classrooms were equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the library was a treasure trove of books and resources.

A classmate approached her. "Hi, I'm Fiona. What's your name?"

"Jayn", Jayn replied softly, almost like a whisper.

"Hi Jayn! I can't believe how many students are in our cohort! It's like a sea of unfamiliar faces."

Jayn simply smiled.

"Hey Jayn, do you want to sit together at lunch?" Fiona asked, as they filed out of the classroom. "I heard the cafeteria food is actually pretty good! We can sit by the window and enjoy the view."

"Sure," Jayn replied, smiling a little more confidently. "Thank you, Fiona."

"No problem!" Fiona said with a smile. "We can navigate this crazy school together! And who knows, maybe we'll even start a new club or something." Before Jayn could reply anything, Fiona has continued to go on about the different kinds of clubs and activities they could have.

As they walked to the cafeteria, Jayn felt a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe this new chapter wouldn't be so bad after all. The cafeteria was bustling with students, the air filled with the savoury aromas of food and the sound of laughter.