Zephyr | Lee Felix

Chapter 4

Eugene's eyes flutter open as the first rays of sunlight stream through her curtains. She sits up in bed, feeling recharged after a good night's sleep.

She goes to the toilet for a quick shower. After getting out, Eugene finds herself admiring the peaceful expression on her face by the mirror. She takes her time applying some skincare and light makeup, adding a touch of soft eyeliner and a swipe of blush.

Once she's satisfied with her reflection, she walks back into her bedroom to pack her things.

She then zips up her jacket and slings her backpack over her shoulder while making sure that she has everything she needs, including the leftover food from last night. Tying the laces of her black Converses, she steps out the door into the chilly morning air.

As she makes her way towards the daycare, she can't help but feel a sense of excitement. The thought of seeing the children, hearing their laughter and seeing their smiling faces, fills her with joy. She quickens her pace, her heart already anticipating the fun-filled day ahead.

As she arrives at the daycare, Eugene swiftly scoots over to the staff room to put her things away in the locker and sign her attendance on the sheet.

Once finished, she takes out her stainless water bottle from her bag and goes over to the kindergarten's room, already seeing multiple children present, busy playing with themselves.

"Morning, Eugene. How are you?" Her mentor greets her with a smile. "Oh, I love your fluffy jacket. It looks really warm!"

"Haha, thanks Rose. And yes, I'm fine—I managed to get a full 8 hours of sleep, which is a luxury nowadays." Eugene returns the warm smile with one of her own.

"Ah, that's nice. How's your lesson planning going?"

"It's coming along, but I could use some feedback if you have the time today." Eugene smiles politely.

"Of course, we always have free time during the children's rest period. We can go through your planning together then."

Rose's kindness brings another warm smile to her lips, eternally grateful that she gets assigned to this daycare for her internship this semester.

"That would be really helpful, thank you."

"Don't mention it." Rose says, waving her hand nonchalantly, "As long as we get to do the activity this week as required by your university, that's all good. Take your time."

Eugene thanks her mentor one more time before strolling over to the construction corner, greeted by the sight of several children diligently building structures out of Legos. One of the children, a little boy named Peter, looks up as she approaches.

"Oh, Eugene!"

He drops his Legos and rushes over, throwing his arms around her waist in a tight hug.

"Hey." Eugene chuckles at the ray of sunshine enveloping her. Gently, she untangles Peter's arms from around her and squats down to his eye level.

"Come here, little man."

She pulls him into a proper hug, her arms encircling his small frame. A soft sigh escapes her lips as she feels his small body pressed against hers.

Lewis, a quiet and timid boy, shuffles over to Eugene, his eyes pleading as he too, leaves his Lego construction. "Hi Eugene! Can... I have a hug too?"

Just as Eugene is about to respond, Peter, who is still hugging her, glares at him, "Back off, Lewis. Eugene is busy hugging me right now."

Lewis pouts at Peter's words, his lower lip trembling slightly. "But I want a hug too..."