Chapter 1: A New Beginning, A Heart Remembered
Alena stood at the gates of Great Light University, her hands gripping the straps of her backpack as she stared up at the towering buildings. The campus was everything she had dreamed of, yet there was an emptiness inside her that no new adventure could fill.
Her mind drifted to that night—a night forever etched in her memory. The car accident, the chaos, and the unbearable loss. Her parents had argued—words sharp and cutting—and then the crash. But it wasn't just her parents she lost. Her baby brother, the tiny bundle of joy who had always been her light, was gone too. She was the only survivor.
The grief was a constant presence in her heart, a weight she carried with her everywhere she went. Yet, today, standing at the gates of a new chapter, Alena tried to push the memories aside. This was her fresh start—a chance to rebuild and find peace.
"Hey, you look new here… I can tell from your happy mood," a voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
Alena turned, her heart skipping a beat as she locked eyes with a young man. He had messy brown hair and striking blue eyes that seemed to gleam with an energy she couldn't ignore.
"Uhm, yeah… I'm new here," she said, a smile tugging at her lips, though her heart felt heavy with memories.
"You don't look nervous, though. That's rare for a freshman," he said with a grin, as if amused by her calm demeanor. "I'm Lexy, by the way. What's your name?"
"Alena. Alena Joy," she replied, the words feeling foreign as they left her lips.
"Joy, huh?" He raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "I can see that. You've got a good vibe about you."
Alena's smile widened, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I try."
"Come on," Lexy said, motioning toward the admission office. "I'll show you the way."
As they walked, Alena couldn't help but feel the weight of her past tugging at her. Her parents' death had left her with a hole in her heart, and her baby brother's absence felt like a constant ache. The memories of that fateful night still haunted her—an unshakable reminder of what she had lost.
Inside the office, a young woman named Mary greeted Alena. "Alena Joy, huh?" Mary said, her tone softening as she glanced at Alena's file. "I see you're on scholarship. I know this is a big change for you, and I'm sorry about your parents and your brother. You're strong, though. I can see that."
Alena smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm… happy now. I have God with me."
Mary's gaze softened. "I admire that strength, Alena. Just remember to keep your head on straight. The world can be hard, but you've got what it takes to make it here."
Alena nodded, grateful for the kindness but aware that there was so much more she had to heal.
When Alena entered her dorm, she was both exhausted and excited. Her new room was far more than she had expected. The walls were decorated in soft pastels, a girly vibe that felt comforting. And on her desk, there was a surprise—an old laptop, white with stickers, waiting for her.
Tears filled Alena's eyes as she ran her fingers over the smooth surface. "This is… this is unbelievable," she whispered.
She had never expected anything like this. The room felt like a gift, a symbol of hope, as though her parents had somehow provided this for her from beyond.
With a prayer, she whispered, "Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayers. You've given me more than I could have imagined."
Alena prayed silently, her heart filled with gratitude. But as she lay down to sleep, one thought lingered in her mind: Was this truly a new beginning? Or was there more to her story waiting to unfold?
As Alena drifted to sleep, she couldn't shake the feeling that her journey was just beginning. There were still questions about her past, about her survival, and about what lay ahead. Lexy had entered her life as a bright spot, but was he more than just a new friend?
She didn't know yet, but she was ready to face whatever came next. And with each new day, she would discover the answers.