professor johansson

chapter 1

amelie's pov:

i find myself in my room, surrounded by an array of belongings, as i hurriedly pack for my college journey that begins today. the reality of this significant transition is beginning to settle in. my first classes kick off tomorrow, and the anticipation builds as i await my class schedule, which i will receive later tonight. with careful attention, i tuck away the last few items into my suitcase—a few books, some clothes, and personal mementos that will help me feel at home in this new environment. once everything is in place, i pull the zipper closed with a satisfying finality, marking the end of my packing spree.

after securing my suitcase, i make my way downstairs, each step echoing the mixture of excitement and nervousness in my heart. i find my father waiting at the bottom of the staircase, and i pause for a moment to embrace him. "goodbye, dad," i say, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving home. unfortunately, he can't accompany me today due to a doctor's appointment scheduled later on. "i wish i could be there with you," he replies, his voice filled with genuine regret. i understand his obligations, but i can't help but feel a little lost knowing he won't be there for this pivotal moment in my life.

with one last glance at my childhood home, i head outside to my car, where my suitcase now rests in the trunk, ready for the journey ahead. sliding into the driver's seat, i take a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and anxious as i prepare to pull away. it's still early in the morning, and the day has just begun to awaken. i decide to stop for a coffee before embarking on my four-hour drive, knowing that the caffeine boost will help keep my spirits high and my mind alert. the barista greets me with a friendly smile, and as i take my first sip of the warm, rich brew, i feel a flicker of excitement for what lies ahead—a new chapter of my life is about to unfold.

four hours later, i finally arrive at campus, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling inside me as i pull into the parking lot and find a spot to park my car. after shutting off the engine, i take a moment to absorb my surroundings—the bustling campus alive with students, the sounds of laughter and chatter drifting through the air. i open the door, step out, and retrieve my suitcase along with my empty coffee cup, the remnants of my morning fuel. locking my car, i begin my journey towards the dormitory, tossing the empty coffee cup into a nearby bin as i go. the weight of my suitcase feels oddly comforting, a tangible representation of my belongings and, by extension, my new life ahead. i make my way to the elevator, press the button for my floor, and feel a slight jolt of anticipation as the doors slide closed.

when the elevator finally reaches my floor, the doors open with a quiet ding, and i step out, wheeling my suitcase behind me as i navigate the hallway toward my dorm. approaching the door, i notice it's already unlocked, which is a small relief, and i can't help but wonder if my roommate is inside, probably settling in. as i enter and close the door behind me, i am greeted by the sight of a blonde girl with striking green eyes, deeply engrossed in a book while sitting on one of the beds. she looks up as i enter, and a warm smile breaks across her face. before i can even introduce myself, she jumps to her feet and pulls me into a hug, catching me off guard but filling me with a sense of welcome that eases my nerves.

pulling back from the embrace, she introduces herself with enthusiasm, "hey, i'm lizzie—well, elizabeth, but everyone calls me lizzie! are you amelie?" her voice is friendly and inviting, immediately making me feel at ease in this unfamiliar space.

"yes, i'm amelie," i respond, returning her smile with one of my own. "it's so lovely to meet you."

"you too!" she beams, making her way back to her bed and settling in comfortably. i take this opportunity to begin unpacking my things, carefully folding my clothes and arranging my belongings in a way that makes the room feel more like home. as i work, lizzie engages me in conversation, sharing stories about her family and her interests. she tells me about the subjects she's chosen for her classes, and i mention that i opted for Russian, intrigued by the challenge it poses. in return, she reveals that she has chosen german, and we start exchanging thoughts about our upcoming courses, our hopes for the semester, and the excitement that accompanies embarking on this new chapter in our lives together. the atmosphere in the room transforms, filled with laughter and shared aspirations, creating an immediate bond between us as we begin to navigate this new adventure side by side.