The sound of water trickling down soothes me. As the dawn casts its gentle light, I find myself sitting on a bench, drawn to the serene athmosphere. My feet led me to a nearby water fountain.
Despite having arrived just half an hour ago, I'm already starting to appreciate everything here. I stand up and take a leisurely stroll.
We moved out to Europe three weeks ago. It's autumn season, the trees ablaze with fiery hues and the crisp air carries the earthly scent of fallen leaves. Just when I was a child, I dreamt of experiencing autumn with my family. Now, I feel relieved that I, atleast, experienced it with myself.
I look around, and analyze my surroundings. It's Velhomn University, widely-known for producing excellent artists and musicians. Most of its place is housed in centuries-old buildings that exude a sense of grandeur and prestige.
The cobblestone street on my left is lined with quaint gas lamps, their soft radiance trace the path of the winding street and blends with the soft hues of dawn.
The university surroundings gradually fills with activity. There is a buzz of energy as groups of friends gather, exchanging greetings. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts from a university cafe as I pass by.
I glance at my silver watch, a parting gift from my aunt before she left. It's quarter to eight, just thirty minutes before our first class.
My left hand instinctively reaches into my shoulder bag, searching for the folded campus map the orientation leader had given me earlier. But as I rummage through my bag, a sinking feeling washes over me—I left it in the restroom.
My feet quicken their pace as I hope against hope that it's still there when I return. I can't afford to lose it; my class schedule is stapled to that map, and I can't be late for my first class.
Finally, I arrive at the Shelhom's Building of Architecture and Fine Arts, as indicated by the old-looking yet sculptured signage. Ignoring the long queue for the elevator, I opt for the stairs, taking them two at a time. Despite the strain in my chest, I take a glance on the artworks adorning the walls with impressionistic artworks including rich oil paintings framed in gold, depicting scenes with mythological gods. Among these paintings are timeless sculptures and statues, carved from pristine marble. The renaissance interior design of the building provide some solace.
The hallway is filled by the sound of my sandals rushing towards the restroom. I begin opening the door, it must be somewhere here.
After a moment of searching, I sigh and begin to hold the doorknob empty-handed attempting to leave already. Doesn't matter, I'll just go to the university information desk.
"Looking for this?", a deep and velvety voice queried.
I stop for a moment and tilt my head back. My heart pounds seeing a tall, read-head man casually propped against the restroom cubicle with legs crossed. His eyes are the color of the nocturnal heavens, his wide grin reveals a prominent incisors, reminiscent of bunny teeth.
"I think you dropped this on the hallway just outsi-"
"Since when men are allowed in women's restroom?" I cut in.
"Since, uh, the moment you realized that this is an entirely abandoned restroom.", he replied, looking away, his grin still intact.
For the first time, I look around inside. He's kind of right. This restroom appears old and abandoned but still functional enough to be used. Perhaps it's just hidden away at the end of the hallway, away from public view. But it doesn't change the fact that this restroom is still designated for women, and his presence here isn't approriate.
"I'm Alejandro, by the way."
"Stop it Mr. Alejandro-intruder, give it back.", I reply firmly and look at the folded campus map currently in his left hand.
I step back as he begin to walk towards me.
"Sure, Christine… here."
Grabbing it rightaway, I begin to leave. The tension between us makes it hard to breathe inside. Before shutting the door, I glance back.
He smiles once more, this time without the appearance of his bunny teeth, and wiggles his fingers in a goodbye gesture.