First day

6 2 0
                                    




As I awoke to the blaring sound of my alarm, the heaviness of sleep still clung to me like a thick fog, a reminder of the long journey I had taken to get here. Today was an important day. I had plans to explore the campus and the city, and I knew that if I wanted to make the most of my first day, I needed to rise early and seize the opportunity.

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking against the bright light filtering through the window. My sleepy gaze scanned the room, and it struck me that my roommate still hadn't returned. A wave of confusion washed over me, but I shrugged it off, feeling the excitement of the day push me forward. Sitting up slowly, I swung my legs over the side of the bed, still feeling the weight of fatigue. Yet, the thrill of exploring this new place called me to action.

I slipped my headphones in, cranked up my favorite playlist, and let the music drown out my nervousness and anxiety about the day ahead. The familiar rhythms enveloped me like a warm hug, pushing me to focus on unpacking my things. I started grabbing the boxes stacked beside my bed, determined to create a sense of home in this unfamiliar space.

Lost in my task, I glanced at my phone sitting on the bedside table, and my stomach dropped. It was already 10 a.m.! Time had flown by while I was busy trying to settle in. I quickly grabbed my washbag and made my way to the showers, mentally preparing myself for the day.

As I approached the shower area, a sense of unease crept in. There were five shower stalls, all lined up next to each other and separated only by sheer curtains. I couldn't help but think that at least doors should have been installed for privacy. Some sort of lock would have been nice too. I opted for the stall in the back corner, hoping that it would remain unused by others. I left my shoes just outside the curtain, a makeshift sign that I was inside.

As the water poured down from the showerhead, it shocked me with its initial chill, but soon it warmed up. With each droplet cascading over me, all my worries and anxiety began to wash away. The sensation was liberating, and I closed my eyes, letting the water and steam soothe my spirit while stirring excitement for the day ahead.

After rinsing off, I stepped out of the shower, wrapped myself in a fluffy towel, and clutched my clothes tightly to my chest, praying they wouldn't slip from my grip. Navigating the hallway back to my dorm, I avoided any unnecessary encounters, keeping my focus on getting back to my room.

Once inside, I laid my clothes down on the bed, still puzzled about my roommate's absence. Maybe she had gone to a party last night, I thought. It was Saturday, after all. Perhaps she partied too hard and decided to crash somewhere else. While I would never do that—safety first—I pushed the worry aside and accepted that everyone had different ways of enjoying themselves.

I wandered over to my wardrobe, rifling through my clothes while thinking about my outfit. The weather outside didn't look promising, with raindrops gently tapping against the window. I wanted to wear something cute yet appropriate. After sifting through my options, I finally settled on a long white dress adorned with delicate purple flowers, perfectly paired with a cozy purple cardigan to keep me warm.

Feeling excited about my selection, I made my way to the dressing table and sat down in front of the mirror hanging on the wall. I reached for my makeup bag, ready to add a little sparkle to my look. The day ahead promised new friendships and adventures, and I wanted to feel my best as I stepped into this fresh chapter of my life. As I applied my makeup, I allowed myself to dream about the possibilities waiting outside my door.

I grab my bag from my shelf and put my umbrella inside my bag in case I need it when walking around. As I pushed open the door to the cozy café, a wave of warmth enveloped me, immediately contrasting with the crisp autumn air outside. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled my senses, making me smile as I stepped inside. I joined the line, eagerly anticipating the moment I could order my favorite pumpkin latte, a seasonal delight that always made me feel at home. I could already taste the rich, spiced flavors mingling with the creamy texture, and I lost myself in thoughts of how perfect it would be to sip on it while cozied up on my couch later. As I reached the counter and placed my order, I turned to grab some sugar, only to bump into someone. I glanced up, taken aback by the striking boy standing before me, with tousled hair and an easy smile that made my heart flutter against my better judgment. I quickly stammered an apology, feeling a rush of embarrassment because I shouldn't be feeling this way—he was undeniably cute, but I have a boyfriend who loves me. Yet, for a heartbeat, I lingered in that gaze, wishing I could let myself feel something different, something exciting. Just then, he flashed another brilliant smile and walked out, leaving me with an inexplicable pang in my chest. It was only after he disappeared into the chilly street that the barista called out my name, snapping me back to reality and reminding me of where I truly belonged.

Never ending loveWhere stories live. Discover now