Jade pulled her suitcase up the narrow stairs, her arms aching as each step thumped under the wheels. She'd packed her whole life into this oversized bag, and now it seemed to weigh twice as much. She stopped for a moment on the landing, catching her breath. Her eyes took in the paint-chipped door with its faded numbers. This was it—her new apartment, her first real shot at living on her own in the city. She was excited… and terrified.
Just a month ago, her life had been simpler, in that quiet, stifling way of small towns. Everything was familiar: her neighbors, her job at the local coffee shop, her friends from high school who still hung out at the same diner every weekend. She knew she needed something different. Moving to the city felt like her best chance to break free, to find out who she really was. But now, standing outside her new apartment door, she felt a familiar lump of doubt in her throat.
Taking a deep breath, Jade raised her hand to knock. Before she could, the door swung open. A tall woman with dark, curly hair and a wide smile stood in the doorway.
"Hey! You must be Jade," the woman said, her voice warm and welcoming. "I'm Sarah, your new roommate. Welcome to the city!"
Jade's nervousness softened at Sarah's friendliness. She nodded, managing a small smile as she stepped inside. The apartment was cozy, with mismatched furniture, plants along the windowsills, and shelves stacked with books. It felt lived-in, a contrast to the empty room she'd imagined when she signed the lease.
Sarah helped her carry her bags into her new room. "It's not much, but make yourself at home," she said, gesturing to the small bedroom with its bare walls and narrow bed. "Oh, and don't worry about rent this month—I know you're still getting on your feet."
Jade felt a wave of relief at her kindness. "Thank you, really. I wasn't expecting that."
Sarah shrugged. "We've all been there. I know what it's like to move here without a plan. Honestly, I didn't think I'd survive my first month. But trust me, you'll find your way." She gave Jade a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leaving her to unpack.
That night, Jade lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts of her old life crept in. Her hometown felt both close and distant, like something she'd outgrown but still missed. Part of her wondered if she'd made the right choice, but she reminded herself that growth often meant leaving comfort behind.