They Are Stars

Part Four: Life

I think a saturated yellow and a dark red looks harsh on the eyes. I don't know, it's my opinion. The cloth feels nice though. I like how plain it is. The uniform and the books cost my grandma more money than it should. I felt something hold me back from swallowing the guilt when I saw the cost. I hated it when my parents needed to pay for something expensive. I don't know why, but I see the look of concern and then acceptance on their face because they know that the life they're living can't be changed. Life is life, whether you like it or not.

The dress code is stricter than the one back where my old home was. I remember some kids back in my school just wearing slippers. I miss them too, but I didn't get chance to talk to them. I didn't appreciate them enough.

I stand up and turn to grab my bag on my bed, and bid my grandma goodbye. A cold breeze pierces my skin. The country is on the equator, closest to the sun, but it's nice and cold every morning, especially at five-thirty in the morning on rush hour.

I walk for a while till I reach the train station my grandma asked me to go to. I haven't been on an MRT in my life. The area is pretty dim, but crowded. Everyone's rushing to pay for their tickets and to get on a train. Most of them are students from lots of different schools. I can see students from my school, grouped up with the yellow and red, and black ponytails.

When the train comes, they immediately stop whatever they're doing and go for the doors. I try to get in, but the long line lasts for a while before I'm eventually in.

The train car is packed. Everyone's body heat warms the morning. It's a little uncomfortable, but nobody sticks flat on anyone's torso, so that's a relief. I can barely see the window. I crane to see the girls I saw before with the same uniform pressed up against the wall with earphones to drown out the silent whispers in the train car.