Nightfall

chapter 1 -STRANGER

I woke up at 6 o'clock in the morning full of anxiety, because I was going to the university for the first time.

As I lay in bed, my heart racing and my mind flooded with thoughts of unfamiliar classrooms, daunting lectures, and uncertain relationships, I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change forever, and I heard my mom's gentle voice calling from downstairs, "Good luck, dear, your dad has made breakfast for you, come down quickly!"

I quickly put on my favorite floral dress and a nice flat shoes my mom got me and rushed down for breakfast, though I couldn't eat much due to anxiety. My dad, noticing my uneaten breakfast, gave me a warm smile and said, Don't worry, kiddo, you'll be just fine. You've prepared well for this day. Just take a deep breath, be yourself, and remember, we're proud of you no matter what, as he handed me a small, intricately wrapped package with a note that read: For my brave girl, on her first day of university. I couldn't wait to see what was inside, so I was about unwrapping it but my dad told me it could wait that I was already late for school. I hastily grabbed my backpack, gave my mom a quick hug and my dad a peck on the cheek, and rushed out the door, but not before my dad called out, "And don't forget to find your 9am lecture hall, it's in the Science Building, Block C!" as I sprinted towards the bus stop, the mysterious package still in my hand, its secrets tantalizing me.

I decided to open it Immediately I got on the bus. As I settled into my seat and the bus pulled away from the stop, I carefully unwrapped the package, revealing a beautiful silver necklace with a small, delicate locket shaped like a book, engraved with the words "Knowledge is Power" on one side and "Believe in Yourself" on the other, and inside the locket, a folded piece of paper with a handwritten note from my dad: "For every chapter you write in your life, remember these words."I held it close to my chest and I was tearing up. The bus suddenly stopped at a traffic light, and through the window, I caught the gaze of a stranger standing on the sidewalk, who smiled warmly at me, and for a fleeting moment, I felt a sense of connection, as if he understood the mix of emotions swirling inside me - excitement, nervousness, and gratitude - and I smiled back, feeling a sense of calm wash over me, just as the bus moved forward again.

I was too excited to think about who that was, I couldn't wait to get to school. After an hour drive which felt like ages we finally arrived In front of a huge gate which read Nova Scotia university. As I disembarked from the bus, I gazed up at the imposing gate, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me, and took a deep breath of the morning air, redolent with the scent of freshly cut grass and possibility. A gentle voice behind me said, "First day, huh?" and I turned to find a warm, friendly smile and piercing blue eyes belonging to a tall, dark-haired guy holding a stack of textbooks.

It was an awkward moment when I realized I've been staring for too long so I just cleared my throat in embarrassment and said "Hi" . I must say he had a nice voice with a nice cologne too I can't really explain the scent but it was refreshing. And then he asked for my department, he nodded attentively as I stammered out my response, "Uh, I'm, uh, Computer Science," and his smile broadened, "No way! Me too!" he exclaimed, holding out his hand for a handshake, "I'm Alex, by the way," his handshake firm, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

As we shook hands, the awkwardness dissipated, replaced by a sense of calm, and I found myself smiling back at him, feeling a spark of connection, "I'm... um, Maya," I replied, trying to sound casual despite the flutter in my chest.

Alex glanced at his watch and said, "We should hurry, our first lecture starts in 15 minutes. Want to grab a coffee and head to the Science Building together?""Ok" I replied

So we rushed over to a coffee shop nearby and strode towards our department, as we walked, Alex effortlessly balancing his textbooks and coffee, I found myself stealing glances at him, noticing the way his dark hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, and the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed at something I said.