Mafia Wine

Chapter 4: First day of school

Finally being able to visit my grandma after what felt like an eternity, I was emotionally spent. The encounter left me completely drained and overwhelmed by a storm of emotions that caught me off guard. I was so physically and mentally exhausted, filled with a combination of happiness, longing, and melancholy, that I couldn't bring myself to open up to anyone about how I truly felt. It was as if my heart was burdened with unspoken thoughts and emotions, and I simply needed some time to sort through it all.

It had been so long since I was last in grandma's presence that it almost seemed unreal. Despite staying in touch through phone calls and video chats over the years, I hadn't seen her face-to-face in what felt like a lifetime. We used to make regular trips to Russia during the holiday season, where we would gather as a family and create cherished memories with grandma. But as everyone's lives got busier with work and other commitments, it became harder to find time for these visits. The distance and time apart had created a divide that was difficult to bridge, and now that I was finally back, it felt both heartwarming and unfamiliar.

After getting ready for my first day at a Russian school, I walked downstairs to find my mum in the kitchen. 

"Hi, Hera. How did you sleep? Are you excited for your first day at school? You should probably eat something before we leave," she asked.

I forced a smile, trying to shake off the heaviness in my chest. "I slept okay, I guess," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. The truth was, I was still processing the emotions from my visit with Grandma, and the thought of starting school in a new country was only adding to the weight on my shoulders.

"I'm excited, but also a little nervous." I admitted, glancing at the table where a plate of pancakes sat, untouched. The smell of fresh coffee and warm syrup wafted through the air, but my stomach felt like a tangled knot.

My mum walked over and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "It's completely normal to feel that way. Remember, everyone at school is just as nervous as you are. You'll make new friends in no time." She smiled, but I could see the concern in her eyes. She knew how much I had missed Grandma and how complicated my feelings were after our reunion.

"I know." I replied, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt. "I just... I guess I'm still getting used to everything." I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Maybe I'll eat something on the way."

"Okay, but promise me you'll at least try to eat a little now," she said, nudging the plate closer to me. I picked up a fork and poked at the pancakes, forcing myself to take a bite. They were delicious, but the taste felt muted against the backdrop of my swirling emotions.

As I chewed, I couldn't help but think about how different everything felt.

"Are you ready?" my mum asked, breaking me out of my thoughts. She was already dressed and had her bag slung over her shoulder. I nodded, even though part of me wanted to retreat back into the safety of my room.

"Let's go." I said, trying to muster some excitement. As we stepped outside, the crisp air hit my face, and I took a moment to breathe it in. Maybe today would be the start of something new. Maybe I could find a way to balance the joy of being here with the sadness of what I had left behind. With that thought, I took a step forward, ready to face whatever the day would bring.

The car slowed as we entered a large parking lot. I grabbed my backpack and opened the door, the familiar scent of gasoline and asphalt filling my lungs. I glanced around at the sprawling lot, filled with cars of all shapes and sizes, and felt a mix of excitement and apprehension wash over me. The sun was shining brightly, casting long shadows across the pavement, and I could hear the distant chatter of students as they made their way to the school entrance.