Stepping into the new school's hallways felt like entering a place where everything was unfamiliar and exciting. The memories of my old school were set aside, and as I stood alone in the busy school office, I felt the promise of new beginnings.
Around me, parents chatted excitedly and children laughed. I saw families together, whispering to each other, and I missed my own parents who couldn't be there. But I knew I had to move forward and face the future on my own.
As I waited, tapping my fingers on the reception desk, a friendly peon finally approached me with a warm smile and told me it was time to find out which section of the sixth grade I would join.
I followed the peon down the hallways, feeling both nervous and excited. My heart beat faster as we reached the classroom. When the door opened, I saw a room full of unfamiliar faces looking at me.
Walking into the room felt like stepping onto a stage for the first time. Everyone was watching me, and my heart pounded in my chest. The teacher's calm voice broke the silence and guided me to an empty seat beside a confident-looking girl at the front. "Vrinda Bhatia, meet our new student," the teacher said, and Vrinda gave me a welcoming smile.
Vrinda's wavy black hair and friendly face made me feel a bit more at ease. As I sat down next to her, the unfamiliar faces around me started to blur into the background, and she became my anchor.
The bell rang, and the teacher began the lessons. During the breaks, my classmates' curiosity led them to approach me. They smiled and asked questions, and I introduced myself. "I'm Incia," I said, and they responded with interest.
"Where are you from?" they asked, trying to learn more about me. Their genuine interest made me feel warm inside, and with each conversation, I felt more at ease.
In the following days, I started to find my way around. Vrinda and I became friends, and she helped me understand this new place. We laughed in the hallways, shared notes during class, and whispered secrets on the playground, creating a sense of belonging.
I realized that my journey was not lonely but filled with discovery. Every person I met, every friend I made, added to the story of my new chapter. As I watched friendships grow, I knew this school and this moment would always be a special part of my memories.