A Misty Monday Morning
The sky looked as though it hadn't fully awakened, with gray and white clouds hanging low, and the mist cloaking everything in a soft blur. Pedestrians hurried along the streets, bundled in heavy coats, weaving through the early winter city. Outside a breakfast shop, a long queue had already formed, and the air was filled with the tempting aroma of soy milk and fried dough sticks. The occasional cries of street vendors punctuated the otherwise quiet morning, adding a touch of warmth to the somber start of the day.
Su Feiyan walked slowly with his mom, dad, and younger sister, Su Feiya, toward the bus stop. He carried a thick coat in his hand and a school bag packed with textbooks on his back. A faint smile lingered on his face as he quietly listened to his family's warm reminders.
"Feiyan, it's the start of a new week. Do your best!" his mom said, her voice gentle and comforting, like a soft blanket. "I heard from your teacher that your school is having a freshman performance night. Are you participating?"
"Yes, Mom," Su Feiyan nodded. "I'll be playing the piano, performing Debussy's Clair de Lune."
"Clair de Lune…" his mom murmured with admiration. "That's such a romantic piece. How's your practice coming along?"
"Pretty good. My teacher said it's ready." Su Feiyan's tone carried a hint of confidence.
"Oh, can we come watch?" his mom asked eagerly.
"The teacher said family members are welcome," Su Feiyan replied.
"Great! Then we'll definitely be there! Dad and Feiya will come too, right?" his mom said, turning to look at his dad and sister.
"Of course! How could we miss it?" his dad said cheerfully, his voice full of pride.
"Good luck, big brother!" Su Feiya chimed in from the side. "If anyone bullies you, just tell me! I know kung fu!"
The family chatted and laughed as the bus slowly approached. Su Feiyan held onto the arm his mom offered him and got on the bus. Turning back, he waved at them. "I'll go now. Bye-bye!"
From outside the window, his mom's words of encouragement could still be faintly heard: "Do your best and tell us everything about school tonight!" Meanwhile, his sister made exaggerated punching gestures, yelling, "Don't worry, I've got your back!"
As the bus started moving, Su Feiyan leaned back in his seat, feeling his heart warm and full from the love of his family.
A School Morning
When Su Feiyan arrived at school, the mist still hadn't lifted entirely, but the campus was already bustling with activity. On his way to the classroom, several friendly classmates greeted him.
"Hey, Feiyan! Need help getting to the classroom?"
"Thanks, but I'm good," Su Feiyan responded with a smile. He felt at ease. Though he had only been at this school for a week, he was already starting to like it.
As he reached the entrance of the academic building, he ran into Director Jiang.
"Feiyan, how was your first week? Getting used to everything?" Director Jiang's tone was warm and full of concern.
"It's going well, thank you," Su Feiyan nodded.
"Good. If you need anything, come find me. My office is on the third floor," the director said encouragingly, patting his shoulder before walking off.
The Lively Classroom
By the time Su Feiyan entered the classroom, it was already lively. He found his seat and submitted his homework to the teacher using his computer. Around him, the class monitors were going desk to desk, collecting assignments. The shuffling of papers could be heard as they flipped through their folders.
Just then, his three roommates burst into the classroom like a whirlwind, moving so fast they seemed to be fleeing a swarm of bees.
"Morning, Feiyan!" they greeted him hurriedly before diving into their seats and furiously digging through their bags for their homework.
Su Feiyan chuckled and asked curiously, "What's the rush?"
"Don't ask!" one of them grumbled while frantically scribbling on his notebook. "Got carried away playing games over the weekend and totally forgot about the homework!"
Unfortunately for them, the class monitors were already approaching with their clipboards.
"Time to hand in your assignments!" one monitor announced firmly.
The three roommates quickly rushed over to plead, "Please, can we turn it in after morning reading? We're almost done!"
The monitors, torn between amusement and exasperation, finally gave in. "Fine, but hurry up! We're submitting everything right after reading."
As the monitors walked away, the roommates heaved a collective sigh of relief. "It's crunch time!" one of them muttered as he scribbled away, still managing to joke, "Guess this is what happens when you live on the edge."
Sitting nearby, Su Feiyan couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself. He felt a sense of lightheartedness, enjoying this slice of everyday school life. Inwardly, he thought, This school is turning out to be more and more likable.
Class Time
When classes officially began, Su Feiyan found himself in an unusually good mood. It felt as though he were wrapped in a warm, energizing aura—likely the lingering comfort of his family's love from that morning.
During Chinese class, the teacher assigned a task: students were to exchange their weekend essays with their desk mates and provide feedback on each other's work. The classroom immediately buzzed with conversation as students began discussing their writing.
When it was Su Feiyan's turn to work with Lin Xi, they placed their notebooks on the desk. Su Feiyan felt around for his Braille typewriter, furrowing his brow slightly before turning to Lin Xi. He asked softly, "Lin Xi, I can't see your essay. Could you read it out loud to me? I'll write down my feedback after I listen."
Lin Xi paused for a moment, then replied in a gentle, almost hesitant voice, "Sure."
And so, they began their unique essay exchange. Lin Xi read her essay slowly, her voice like "soft, sweet sugar." This week's essay topic was The Definition of Light.
In her essay, Lin Xi explored different interpretations of light. She started with its physical properties, describing how it brings warmth and brightness. Then, she extended the idea to life's small moments, mentioning her dog, Chocolate, chasing sunlight and the calmness of morning light filtering through her curtains. She concluded by writing, "Light doesn't only come from the sun; it also comes from within us and from the voices that encourage us when we feel lost."
Her voice was soft and sincere, tinged with shyness but rich with emotion. As Su Feiyan listened, he nodded occasionally, almost as if he could "see" the scenes she was describing.
"That's beautifully written," Su Feiyan praised. He began typing his feedback in Braille on his typewriter, his fingers flying over the keys.
"I'm done," he said after a while, turning to Lin Xi. "Here's my feedback: Your essay provides a comprehensive definition of light, combining both the physical and emotional aspects. I especially liked the last part—it was really moving. However, you could try adding transition sentences between your examples to make it flow more smoothly."
Lin Xi blushed slightly and replied in a quiet voice, "Thank you. You're so serious about this."
Su Feiyan smiled. "We're helping each other, aren't we? When it's your turn to give feedback on my essay, be just as serious, okay?"
Lin Xi nodded shyly, agreeing, "Okay."
The two continued working seamlessly together. As Su Feiyan reflected on the day so far, he thought, At first, I was worried about adjusting to life in a regular school. But now, it's clear that the lively atmosphere and these little interactions are filled with warmth and joy.