As we were chatting warmly, the sound of a door opening suddenly echoed from inside the house.
"I'm home."
A young man appeared at the doorway. We all turned to look. He was tall, with a calm expression. His jet-black hair was neatly cut, slightly falling over his forehead. His skin was fair, and his brown eyes had a soft, gentle gaze. His smile was warm, and his presence radiated a calming charm. He stood tall, almost like a model in a school uniform ad.
"This is my oldest son," the neighbor lady said with a smile.
"His name is Kaelion. You two go to the same school, right? Raeya mentioned she's attending St. Edenia Academy. Kaelion goes there too—he's in third year."
My eyes widened. Oh... he's a senior at my new school?
Kaelion walked over to me.
"Hi, I'm Kaelion. Nice to meet you," he said with a smile, offering his hand.
I stood and gently shook it, my cheeks heating up—whether from nerves or awkwardness, I wasn't sure.
"I-I'm Raeya. I'm starting at St. Edenia… please take care of me, Kaelion-senpai."
"Heh, just call me Kael. No need to be formal. If you ever need help with school stuff, just ask me."
After that, Kaelion headed to his room. We continued chatting with his mom for a while before finally saying goodbye.
"Thank you for the cake, please come again sometime."
"Thank you too for having us."
I bowed politely, and we made our way back to the apartment.
I felt happy... it was nice getting to know the neighbors here. But that night...
---
That night, as Aunt Lily and I were sleeping, a loud noise broke the silence.
"I'm sick of your attitude!"
"You think I'm not exhausted taking care of everything alone?!"
Shouting erupted from apartment 207. Then came the heartbreaking sound of a baby crying.
I sat up, covering my ears. Aunt Lily immediately wrapped her arms around me.
"Raeya, it's okay, sweetie... it's just noise from next door. We're safe here."
But I couldn't stop my tears. My breathing grew heavy, my chest tight. Those voices… they brought back memories. Painful ones. The echoes of my parents' fights.
"Auntie… I'm scared. I feel so bad for the baby. I remember Mama..."
"Shhh… sweetheart… I know. But we can't intervene right now. We're new here. If things get worse or dangerous, we can report it to the building manager or call the police. But for now... we stay quiet, okay?"
"But the mother… she's crying..."
"I know, and it breaks my heart too. But we're outsiders. Sometimes stepping in uninvited can make things even worse, love."
I fell silent. It hurt. But I nodded. Auntie was right. I needed to learn when to step forward... and when to hold back.
Eventually, the noise died down, and I fell asleep again in Aunt Lily's warm embrace.
❃.✮:▹ ◃:✮.❃
Days passed. And before I knew it, today was the first day of school at St. Edenia Academy—a prestigious school in the capital city, Virelia. Known for its grand campus, modern facilities, and elite programs, it was home to the children of politicians, business tycoons, and even celebrities.
I stood in front of the mirror, wearing my brand-new uniform. My heart was racing. Today, I was stepping into a new world.
I walked out of my room.
"Auntie, how do I look?"
Aunt Lily turned from the dining table, her eyes lighting up.
"Oh my... Raeya! You look so beautiful. So mature and fresh! We need to take a photo later for your first school memory!"
I giggled and hugged her.
"Thank you, Auntie."
We had breakfast together. I looked cheerful, but deep down… I was nervous.
"I'm scared, Auntie. I don't have any friends yet."
"Don't worry, sweetheart. Good friends will come in time. And you already have one friend, don't you?"
"Oh, right. Kael… but he's a senior."
"That's a good start."
After breakfast, we got ready to leave. It was my first time walking to school—no car, no driver. But it felt... refreshing. The morning air was cool, and I even got to play with a cat on the way.
"Auntie, look! The cat is so cute!"
"Be careful not to be late, sweetheart. You don't want to get in trouble on your first day!"
"Ehh, right!"
I laughed and ran ahead a little.
When we arrived at the school gate, I was stunned. A grand entrance with golden engravings, tall buildings clad in white marble, and a sprawling garden full of blooming flowers. Some students were stepping out of luxury cars, others were walking in groups, chatting casually.
"Wow..."
I stood frozen. It felt like a dream come true.
Aunt Lily looked at me with loving eyes and kissed my forehead gently. Her warm hand held mine tightly.
"Sweetheart… do your best today. This is an important day. I believe in you. You're strong, smart, and full of spirit."
I smiled, though a lump formed in my throat. For some reason, even though I was only parting for a while… I felt like crying.
"Yes, Auntie… I'll do my best. I promise to tell you everything when I get back. About the teachers, the classes, the other students—everything."
"Ohh, I can't wait to hear it all. Tonight, we'll have your favorite food and talk until you're all talked out, okay?"
"Okay, Auntie… but don't cook anything too tiring, alright? Don't wear yourself out."
"Oh, sweet girl… I don't get tired if it's for your happiness."
"Hihi… don't cry either, Auntie."
"Oh my, are you reading my heart now?"
We laughed softly together. I could tell she was holding back tears. Her eyes glistened, but she kept smiling—for my sake.
"Raeya… you've come such a long way. And I know, you'll go even further. Today is a day you'll remember forever. It's the day you start a brand-new chapter. So walk in with pride… and don't forget to smile."
I nodded firmly and hugged her tightly. Her embrace always made me feel safe—like a shield against everything bad in the world.
"See you later, Auntie."
"See you later, my dear."
I stepped through the grand gates of St. Edenia Academy.
My steps were slow but steady. My heart pounded. The day I had been waiting for had finally come. The school felt majestic and elegant. Voices, footsteps, laughter, and conversations filled the air—unfamiliar, yet somehow exciting.
I gripped my bag strap tightly and took a deep breath.
"Come on, Raeya. You've got this. It's a new beginning. Don't be afraid."
Today, I wasn't a little girl crying over loss.
I was Raeya—
A girl stepping into her new journey in a brand-new world.