''I don't believe in love''

The First Encounter

Chapter 1: The First Encounter

Anastasia Rose is a vibrant 19-year-old university student, pursuing a degree in English and Creative Writing. Her captivating brown eyes shimmer with hints of gold that turn green in sunlight, complementing her medium nose and soft pink lips. With glowing golden-brown skin and wavy brown locks cascading down her shoulders, Anastasia radiates warmth and charm. Her radiant smile and infectious positivity make her a beacon of light to everyone she meets. She's the type of person who spreads kindness wherever she goes, drawing people in and making friends easily.

But beneath the sunshine she projects, lies and an  ocean unease.

I wake up in the morning and just lie still, staring at the ceiling. Today is my first day at university, and I should be excited, even happy, but instead, a knot of anxiety forms in my stomach, heavy and unsettling. Tears gather in the corners of my eyes as I press my hand against my stomach, trying to calm the storm inside. I'm scared—but I have to do this, for myself.

I shuffle into the bathroom, hoping a shower will help clear my mind. The vanilla-scented body wash fills the room, its warm, sweet fragrance soothing me. My hands run through my curly hair as I work in the conditioner, letting the rich scent envelop me. Afterward, I gently rub body oil into my skin, savoring the way it makes me feel—a little more grounded, a little more in control.

Next, I search for the perfect outfit. Fashion always lifts my spirits. I pull on my 90s-style jeans and a vintage top, going for that effortlessly cool "clean girl" look. I finish with a spritz of my favorite vanilla perfume, and as the familiar scent wraps around me, I feel a surge of confidence. It's time.