The bus grinded to a halt at a modest school just a few kilometers from the mining village of Bikita Minerals. The doors swung open, and the man hastily rose from his seat, his movements a combination of urgency and uneasiness. Limping and hobbling in an odd and hasty manner, he hurriedly exited the bus, his figure blending into the crowd that milled around the school.As Michael watched the man disappear into the distance, he couldn't help but ponder about his abrupt departure. The thought crossed his mind that perhaps the man was a local, native to this unknown village with its secrets and hidden stories. But he quickly pushed such speculations aside, realizing the futility of dwelling on assumptions.Joining the trickle of students disembarking from the bus, Michael took his own steps towards the world outside, leaving behind the enigmatic encounter that had unfolded within the confined space. The mysterious man's lingering presence etched into his memory, leaving him with a lingering curiosity, even as he tried to shake off the weight of their brief connection and immerse himself in the new surroundings that lay before him."Come on aunt Pee, how can I carry six bags with just two hands?" Michael exclaimed, a tone of frustration in his voice as he stared at the heap of bags on the ground. He had struggled to take them out from the trunk of the bus, but now he was faced with the daunting task of lugging them all the way to the gate.His arms strained under the weight as he attempted to lift as many bags as possible. But no matter how hard he tried, it seemed impossible to carry them all at once. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he tried to find a solution, but time was ticking away, and he knew he had to reach the gate soon.In a final act of determination, Michael managed to gather most of the bags in his hands, staggering under the load. With each step, he felt his grip slipping, his fingers aching from the strain. But he refused to give up, knowing he had to make it to the gate before it was too late.Breathing heavily, Michael finally reached the gate, but as soon as he stepped inside, the high-pitched siren rang throughout the school, above like a novel tittle in bold was the name [Pamusana High School]. The sound pierced his ears, and his heart sank as he realized he was late once again. Students hurried past him, their backpacks slung over their shoulders as they scrambled to get to their classes.Losing hope, Michael lowered his bags to the ground, his arms falling to his sides in defeat. He looked around at the bustling scene, the sea of students disappearing into classrooms, and muttered, "It's mid-term, after all."Abandoning his bags momentarily, Michael trudged away from the gate, dragging his feet towards the principal's office. Each step felt heavier than the last, his mind filled with the worry of being the new kid amidst the ongoing school term. The weight of the bags seemed insignificant compared to the weight of his apprehension as he embarked on this new chapter of his life.As Michael walked towards the principal's office, lost in his own thoughts, he was taken aback when he saw the girl from the bus stepping out of the same office. Their eyes met, and there was an undeniable spark of recognition between them. It was as if they had already formed a connection, despite having never exchanged a single word.Curiosity piqued, Michael's footsteps quickened, and he reached the door of the principal's office just as she disappeared around the corner. Summoning his courage, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.Inside, he found a middle-aged man with a friendly face sitting behind a large wooden desk. The principal looked up with a warm smile, and as Michael extended his hand to greet him, he introduced himself as Mr. Madoko."Good morning, Michael. Please have a seat," Mr. Madoko said, his voice calm and reassuring. Michael complied, making himself comfortable in the chair across from the principal's desk.With a gentle yet authoritative tone, Mr. Madoko began explaining the rules and expectations of the school. He emphasized the importance of punctuality, academic excellence, and good behavior. It was a lot to take in, but Michael nodded attentively, determined to make a good impression.Once the rules were explained, Mr. Madoko peered at Michael through his spectacles and said, "Now, as for your accommodations, I suggest you speak to Mr. Mukore, our boarding master. He will guide you through the process and assign you a room in our boarding facilities. Let me just give him a call."With that, Mr. Madoko reached for the phone on his desk and dialed a number. A brief conversation ensued, after which he hung up and turned his attention back to Michael. "Mr. Mukore is expecting you, Michael. He will be waiting for you down the hall on the left. Just knock on his door, and he'll assist you further."Michael thanked the principal for his guidance and stood up, ready to embark on the next phase of his journey in this unfamiliar school. With a newfound sense of purpose, he left the principal's office and followed Mr. Madoko's directions.He walked down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor, until he reached the designated door. Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand and knocked. The door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a stern expression that softened as soon as he saw Michael."Ah, you must be Michael," Mr. Mukore said, extending his hand for a handshake. "I'm Mr. Mukore, the boarding master. Welcome to our school. Let's find you a suitable place to stay, shall we?"Together, Michael and Mr. Mukore began their walk towards the hostels, engaged in pleasant conversation along the way. Mr. Mukore shared stories about the school's history and traditions, making Michael feel more at ease in this new environment.