NOVA
I look up at the mirror.
"not bad..." I mutter under my breath as I straighten my school skirt. I stand like that for few minutes before walking to my bed and carrying my school bag. Looking around and confirming that I forgot nothing, I swing my bag over my shoulder before stepping out of my room.
I gently walk to the living room and smile. "good morning dad, hey drew." I ruffle my brother's hair softly. Andrew was my four year old step brother. I look up at my dad . "is he resuming school today?"
"no. He would be resuming tomorrow." my dad said in his deep baritone voice. I nod gently. "that sure sounds good. I am off to school now. bye."
"bye sis" Andrew says in his cute baby voice as I step out the door.
As I walk out into the street, I pause for a moment, appreciating the golden light that shone from the sun above. The quiet street glisten, still damp from the night's rain. I take a last look at our house, it's faded brickwork and cracked windows telling the story of years gone by.
I sigh, shifting the weight of my school bag, and start the familiar walk towards school. It's spires rising far above the rooftops around me, making the journey as familiar as it is long.
***
The walk finally ends as I reach the school's grand entrance, breathless from the long trek. Inside, the halls are filled with the distant echo of footsteps and soft chatter, but my classroom stands empty and quiet. Since the first period is free, I slip into my usual seat by the window, dropping my bag beside me. Sunlight pours across the desks, dust motes swirling in the stillness as I settle in, alone with my thoughts while the world slowly wakes around me.
As I gaze out the window, I remind myself that it's another new day—full of possibilities, even if it feels just like all the rest.