1 New Beginnings

I gazed down at the last box cradled in my hands, my mind reflecting on my life's unexpected turn. Betrayed by the two people I had trusted wholeheartedly, with whom I had known for more than half of my life, tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to cascade down my cheeks.

"No, Sofia, don't waste a single emotion on them. Focus on what lies ahead," I whispered, wiping away a rebellious tear.

"You've earned this moment. After two years of relentless dedication working and studying your ass off, you've been accepted to university. It's time to embrace your happiness," I affirmed.

After securing the final box in the trunk of my car, I turned to gaze at the apartment that had housed the three of us, a repository of countless memories, both joyous and painful. It was time to move on. I climbed into my car and set off.

After what felt like an eternity later, I arrived at Oakwood University's housing department. Parking my car in a vacant space, I stepped out and entered the building. The rhythmic clacking of keys greeted my ears as I walked in, drawing my attention to a lady at the reception desk, diligently typing on her computer.

"Good M-" I began, but before I could finish my greeting, the telephone beside her rang, and she immediately picked it up, engrossed in conversation.

After what seemed like ten long minutes, she finally looked up, startled by my sudden presence.

"Oh my!" she exclaimed, recovering her composure. "How long have you been standing there? You gave me quite a scare."

With a hint of amusement at her reaction, I replied, " I came to get my room key."

"What's your name?" she asked, her fingers dancing over the keyboard.

"Sofia Richardson."

After a few moments of typing and scrolling, she pressed one more key and retrieved a  document from the printer. Handing it to me, she said, "Here you go, sweetheart. Just need your signature here." She said while pointing to the designated line at the bottom of the page.

I signed the document and returned it to her, she then tucked it into her desk drawer and disappeared into a room behind her desk. She returned with a key and handed it to me.

"Thanks, Cora," I said, having glanced at her name card.

"No problem, sweetheart," she replied with a warm smile before returning to her desk.

As I left the building, a yawn escaped my lips, reminding me that I hadn't slept since the day before yesterday due to the rush to leave the apartment.

I looked down at my phone referencing the dorm key confirmation email, I noted that my assigned room was Room 203 in Madison Hall. Following the instructions, I made my way to Madison Hall, navigating the corridors until I found rooms 201 and 202 before finally reaching my destination, Room 203.

A sigh of relief escaped me. I quickly swiped my key and stepped inside. Glancing around, I took in the fairly standard living space with a kitchen and a cozy living area. Two rooms were situated at opposite ends of a small hallway, with a bathroom conveniently located near the kitchen.

My eyes zeroed in on the door bearing my last name. Without hesitation, I entered my new abode and flopped onto my bed, too exhausted to worry about the belongings still in my car. In no time, I succumbed to exhaustion and fell asleep

The soft murmur of voices beyond my bedroom wall roused me from sleep, and I groggily registered that it must be my roommate.

"I'll introduce myself tomorrow," I mumbled, drifting back to sleep.