Beneath the Surface

chapter 1:Tristan and Sarah

Sarah

Sarah is a determined young woman with quiet strength. She has a slender build and soft features, with chestnut-brown hair often tied in a ponytail. Though her appearance may seem ordinary, her hazel eyes reveal her inner resolve and intelligence.

Despite the challenges she faces, Sarah carries herself with quiet confidence, often found immersed in her studies or navigating the complexities of her chosen path. She has a sharp intellect and a meticulous nature, evident in the way she organizes her notes and tackles academic challenges.

Sarah's demeanor is thoughtful and introspective, reflecting the weight of her responsibilities and the sacrifices she has made to pursue her dreams. She is empathetic towards others, often seen offering quiet encouragement or lending a listening ear to those around her.

Her determination to succeed in her academic pursuits is matched by her resilience in the face of adversity. Sarah's journey is one of personal growth and self-discovery, as she navigates the dual worlds of education and the shadowy realm she reluctantly enters to finance it.

Overall, Sarah embodies a blend of tenacity, compassion, and quiet courage—a young woman driven by ambition and the pursuit of a better future against formidable odds.

Tristan

Tristan is a tall, lean man in his mid-twenties with an easy charm and a disarming smile that seems to light up the room. His tousled dark hair and stubble give him a casual, rugged look, complemented by piercing blue eyes that hint at a depth of experience beyond his years.

As a classmate of Sarah's, Tristan exudes confidence and charisma, effortlessly making friends and leaving a lasting impression wherever he goes. He is articulate and quick-witted, often engaging others in lively discussions about current events or sharing anecdotes from his adventurous life.

Underneath his charismatic exterior, Tristan carries a sense of mystery, with hints of a past that he seldom discusses. He is well-dressed in a style that balances sophistication with a hint of nonchalance, and his presence commands attention without him needing to seek it.

Despite his outward confidence, there is a guardedness about Tristan—a subtle reserve that suggests he keeps parts of himself hidden from view. His interactions with Sarah reveal a genuine interest in her well-being and aspirations, yet there is an unspoken tension between them that neither fully acknowledges.

Tristan's path crosses with Sarah's in unexpected ways, blurring the lines between their academic pursuits and the complexities of their personal lives. As their relationship evolves, Tristan becomes more than just a classmate—he becomes a pivotal figure in Sarah's journey of ambition and sacrifice, challenging her perceptions and pushing her boundaries in ways she never anticipated.

Enrollment day...

Sarah stood in line at the enrollment office, her heart racing with anticipation and nerves. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the bustling room filled with students eager to secure their academic futures.

She clutched her carefully filled-out forms and a list of required documents, her mind replaying the countless hours spent preparing for this moment. Each step forward in the line brought her closer to the promise of a promissory note—a lifeline that would bridge the gap between her dreams and the stark reality of her financial limitations.

Around her, the air was thick with a mix of determination and anxiety. Some students chatted nervously, while others anxiously checked and rechecked their paperwork. Sarah tried to remain composed, focusing on the rhythmic shuffle of feet ahead of her and the steady hum of conversation around her.