Cyrus jolted awake as the sun's first light slanted through the thin curtains of his room, casting stripes of gold across the wooden floor. His heart raced as he rubbed sleep from his eyes and squinted at the clock on his nightstand. It was 6:30 AM. River was already up. The sound of her footsteps was unmistakable—quick, deliberate, a force of nature that couldn't be ignored.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead!" River's voice, bright and filled with teasing energy, cut through the morning stillness. She flung open the door, her presence a whirlwind of cheer and youthful enthusiasm. River was seventeen, a year older than Cyrus, and they had always shared a bond that felt more like a best friendship than sibling duty.
Cyrus groaned and pulled the covers over his head. "Seriously, River, can't I have five more minutes?"
"Nope!" River's laughter was light as she sat on the edge of his bed. "Today's a big day. First day of senior year, remember?"
Reluctantly, Cyrus pushed himself up, his tousled hair falling into his eyes. He glanced around his room, the familiar surroundings a comfort in the midst of his anxious excitement. Posters of classic rock bands adorned the walls, interspersed with snapshots of his friends and a few motivational quotes. His guitar, an old but trusted companion, rested against the far wall, a silent witness to many late-night musings and dreams.
"Okay, okay, I'm up," he mumbled, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Give me a minute."
As River bounded out of his room, Cyrus took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering haze of sleep. Today was more than just the start of another school year—it was the beginning of his final chapter as a high school student, and the stakes felt higher than ever. The nerves were a tangled mess in his stomach, but he knew he needed to put on a brave face.
Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon greeted him. His parents, ever the early risers, were already at the kitchen table, exchanging quiet morning banter. His mother, Grace, looked up with a warm smile. "Good morning, Cyrus. How'd you sleep?"
"Morning, Mom," he replied, slumping into a chair and reaching for a slice of toast. "I slept okay. Just a bit anxious."
His father, Alan, looked up from his newspaper, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and paternal pride. "First day jitters, huh? Don't worry, you'll do great. Just be yourself."
Cyrus nodded, trying to steady the fluttering in his chest. "Thanks, Dad. I just hope this year is... different."
Grace reached over and patted his hand gently. "Different how?"
"Just... better, I guess. It's senior year. I want it to be memorable for the right reasons."
Alan gave him an encouraging nod. "It will be, Cyrus. You're a smart, talented young man. You'll handle whatever comes your way."
As the family chatted, the conversation drifted to lighter topics—the latest neighborhood gossip, plans for the weekend, and River's new school project. Despite his anxiety, Cyrus felt a warm sense of belonging. These were the moments that grounded him, moments that reminded him of the love and support surrounding him.
When the time came to leave, Cyrus grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder, his mind already racing with a million thoughts about what the day would bring. He stepped outside, the crisp morning air a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the kitchen. The sky was a clear, promising blue, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to believe that maybe today could be the start of something wonderful.
As he walked toward the bus stop, his thoughts wandered to Leo, the new student he had heard so much about. Rumor had it that Leo was a talented artist with a kind smile and a mysterious air. The idea of meeting him had been a curious, hopeful thought in the back of Cyrus' mind, but now, as he stood waiting for the bus, he couldn't help but wonder what the day might hold.
In the quiet moments before the bus arrived, Cyrus felt a cautious optimism. Today was not just the beginning of a new school year; it was a chance to embrace new possibilities, new connections, and maybe, just maybe, a new chapter in his own story.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Hallways
Romance[Chapters will be published on every second day for about 2 weeks, after that it'll be every 2nd,12th and 22nd of each month] I would also like to mention that later in the story it does have mentions of mental health, including self-harm and suicid...
