The persistent buzzing of my alarm clock jolted me from the depths of slumber. Groggily, I fumbled for the clock and silenced it, my eyes still heavy with sleep. With a languid stretch, I welcomed the new day, letting out a wide yawn that seemed to shake off the last remnants of drowsiness.
Slowly, I turned my gaze toward the digital display of the alarm clock. Its luminous numbers revealed the time - 7:30 a.m. Panic coursed through me like a lightning bolt. "Oh no, I can't afford to be late on my very first day of college," I muttered to myself.
With newfound urgency, I sprang out of bed, hastily scanning my room for the towel I had carelessly tossed aside the night before, following my bath. A moment of frantic searching led my eyes to a familiar sight, my towel hung haphazardly on the doorknob.
"There you are," I muttered, lunging across my room, my feet hitting the floor with a soft thud. I snatched the towel and hurried to the bathroom, eager to get ready for the day ahead.
Just as I stepped into the bathroom, a series of resounding knocks reverberated through the door.
"Knock, knock, knock."
I called out, my voice echoing against the bathroom tiles, "Who's there?"
A familiar voice, belonging to my younger sister, Nezuko, replied from the other side of the door, "It's me, Kazuma. Mom said you should hurry up and come downstairs for breakfast."
"In the bathroom," I responded, my voice carrying through the door.
"Okay," Nezuko replied before descending the stairs.
You might be wondering about my little sister, Nezuko. She's an absolute bundle of cuteness, and if societal norms didn't frown upon it, I'd probably want to spend all my time with her. Of course, I'm just joking. Don't take that too seriously and certainly don't label me a Siscon.
Exiting the bathroom, I turned to check the time again, and to my chagrin, it now read 8 a.m. A sigh of frustration escaped my lips. "Late on my first day. Just great."
With haste, I dried myself off, swiftly dressed in my school attire, and swung my school bag over my shoulder. The door clicked shut behind me as I made my way down the stairs to the kitchen, desperate not to skip breakfast.
"Good morning, Mom," I greeted as I entered the dining area. To my surprise, only Nezuko was seated at the table, quietly nibbling on her breakfast.
Turning to my mom, I asked, a hint of concern in my voice, "Where's Dad? Isn't he joining us for breakfast again today?"
I hissed in frustration and muttered, "Our dad seems to prefer his job over us."
I made my way toward the dining table, my eyes fixed on my sister. She noticed my approach and met my gaze, her presence momentarily dissipating my anger. A smile crept across my face, mirrored by hers as she continued to enjoy her tea and toasted bread.
As I prepared to take my seat at the table for a quick breakfast, I glanced at my wristwatch once more. It read 8:20 am. Panic surged within me; I was running late and couldn't afford a leisurely meal. Without hesitation, I downed the tea my mom had prepared in one swift gulp and grabbed a piece of toast, holding it between my teeth as I dashed for the door. I called out to my mom and sister, letting them know I was off to school and that I loved them dearly.
With that, I left the house, rushing to the spot where I had parked my bicycle. I hopped onto the rider's seat and immediately began pedaling, giving myself no time to catch my breath. My destination: school.
The morning air was crisp, and the streets were still quiet as I pedaled furiously. I couldn't shake off the frustration from earlier, the feeling that my dad's absence at breakfast was a reflection of his constant prioritization of work over his family. It wasn't the first time, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.
As I weaved through the streets, I thought about how much had changed since my younger years. Back then, Dad used to be the one to wake me up with a smile, make me breakfast, and walk me to school. Those were simpler times, times when it felt like our family was whole and complete.
Now, it seemed like Dad's work had taken precedence. I understood the importance of his job, but it was hard not to feel neglected when he consistently missed family moments. My frustration, however, wasn't just about him. It was also about the impact this had on my sister and mom.
Nezuko, my little sister, deserved a better start to her day, a more stable presence at the breakfast table. She was just a kid, and I wanted her to have the warmth and support she needed. I couldn't help but feel like I needed to fill in for our dad's absence, even though I was just a teenager myself.
I stood in front of the imposing gates of my new college, my bicycle at my side. The campus loomed before me, a vast and unfamiliar territory that held both excitement and trepidation. This was a fresh start, a chance to reinvent myself, but it was also a daunting prospect because I didn't know a soul here.
The buzz of students filled the air as they chatted and laughed with their friends. Groups of familiar faces clustered together, navigating the campus confidently. It was a stark contrast to my own situation, as I had left behind the comfort of my old school and the friends I had grown up with.
My heart raced as I took in the scene before me. I was the outsider, the newcomer, and it was hard not to feel a pang of anxiety. I wondered if I would find my place in this new environment, if I would be able to make friends and navigate the complexities of college life.