---
Settling back into our dorm room felt strangely comforting.
Lily and I unpacked slowly, turning the space into something that felt new again. We decorated the shelves with the things we bought during break - cute candles, small frames, a ridiculous amount of hair products, and a fluffy throw blanket Lily insisted we "absolutely needed."
We laughed at everything - the random inside jokes, the way our suitcases exploded all over the floor, the way we kept stepping over each other to get to the wardrobe.
By evening, the room looked refreshed, brighter, warmer.
Somehow it felt like a clean chapter all on its own.
We spent the night prepping for the next day - the first day back in school.
Lily tried on three outfits before deciding on the first one.
I laid out my clothes quietly, trying not to overthink anything.
We talked, gossiped, played music in the background, and eventually drifted to sleep with the lights dimmed low.
---
Morning arrived too quickly.
The soft sunlight slipped through our curtains, brushing over my face as I got up. I showered, took my time with my skincare, and stood in front of the mirror for a long moment.
I didn't want to look overly dressed.
I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard.
Just... naturally pretty.
Soft.
Put together.
I chose a nice top that made me look smart without being too much, paired with fitted pants. My hair went up into a ponytail, smooth and clean, with pretty clips placed neatly at the back.
I stared at my reflection and nodded to myself.
Cute.
Soft, simple, and undeniably me.
Lily whirled around the room behind me.
"Come on! We need to go before the whole school blocks the hallway!"
We hurried out, nearly tripping over our own bags as we rushed down the stairs. The morning air was cool, buzzing with the sounds of students everywhere.
At the fork in the walkway, Lily pulled me into a quick hug.
"See you after class! Don't get lost in your thoughts, Maya!"
I rolled my eyes but smiled.
"I'll try."
We parted ways.
---
As I headed toward my building, I spotted a small group near the courtyard - familiar faces.
Denzel.
Sarah.
A couple of guys from their department.
They were laughing at something one of them said, the kind of casual, easy laughter that came naturally to them.
I wasn't planning to stop, but then Denzel's gaze lifted - and met mine.
Just for a second, everything around us paused.
His expression softened almost instantly, like he recognized me before he fully processed it.
Not a dramatic moment.
Not a movie scene.
Just a quiet acknowledgment.
A silent hi from across the walkway.
I gave a small smile - gentle, friendly - and he returned it with one of his own.
Then I continued toward my building, not wanting to overthink it.
---
The lecture hall was bright and full, the familiar mix of chatter and shuffling chairs filling the space. I found a seat near the middle, pulled out my notebook, and tried to focus.
Everything felt new again - the desks, the slides on the screen, even the professor's voice.
I took notes carefully, trying to pay attention to every detail, reminding myself that this was a fresh start. A chance to rise above everything that happened before.
The room buzzed with new energy, and for the first time in a long while, I felt present.
Not distracted.
Not hurting.
Just... here.
Ready for whatever this semester brought.
---