Sometimes, you have to make the right decision—even if it's hard.
The sky was heavy with clouds that morning. Birds sang faintly, but the sun was hidden, struggling to break through. An alarm rang softly in a small bedroom.
Emma stirred, her short black hair brushing against her neck as she sat up in bed. Dressed in a simple pajama, she let out a small yawn before standing. Today was her first day of elementary school.
"Hopefully it's a good day," she whispered to herself, stepping into the bathroom.
After washing up, she dressed neatly and went downstairs, where the smell of breakfast filled the air. Her mother, Asuka, stood over the stove, humming as she cooked.
"Oh, my lovely daughter, you're awake early," Asuka said warmly. "You must be excited, aren't you?"
Emma nodded softly, her lips curling into a small smile.
"I am. Kinda."
Asuka set the food on the table with a joyful gleam in her eyes. Emma sat down and began to eat, only to notice her mother watching her with quiet happiness. She chuckled.
"It's delicious, Mom. You always cook the best food in the world."
Asuka's eyes blinked with delight. She reached out, gently brushing Emma's hair.
"I'll always cook for my beautiful daughter."
Emma smiled back. She thought about asking where her father was, but then remembered—he always left very early in the morning.
When breakfast was finished, Emma said goodbye and stepped out into the cool morning air. She walked to the bus stop, watching the birds fly overhead.
"Such simple creatures," she murmured.
The bus eventually arrived, filled with chattering students. Emma climbed aboard, choosing a seat quietly. Near the back, a boy wailed uncontrollably.
"I want my mother! I want my mom!" he cried, his small fists rubbing at his tear-streaked face. The child beside him tried in vain to soothe him, whispering soft words, but it did nothing. His voice only grew louder, echoing in the cramped space.
Emma's brows knit slightly. The sound grated at her ears, but more than that—it stirred something deeper. She didn't say anything, didn't move to comfort him. She only turned her gaze to the window, watching the blur of trees outside.
To her, his crying wasn't just noise. It was a reminder. A small, raw glimpse of how fragile people really were.
When the bus reached the school gates, the students filed out in excitement. Emma stopped in front of the tall building, staring at it with calm eyes.
"I hope the school is great… and has good teachers," she muttered before stepping inside.
The bell rang, calling the students into their new classroom. Emma entered and searched for a seat, but most of them were already taken. With a small sigh, she sat down in the only empty desk—right in the middle.
The teacher soon arrived, a cheerful smile on his face.
"Hello everyone. I'll be your teacher, and I'll teach you all the subjects. My goal is to make learning enjoyable and meaningful. I believe everyone has the potential to succeed, and I'm here to support you. We'll work hard, respect one another, and most importantly, have fun while learning."
The children nodded happily, their innocence filling the air. Emma, however, sat quietly. For some reason, she felt uneasy. Not because of the teacher—but because of something else entirely. A feeling she couldn't explain.
As the lessons went on, the day passed slowly. Emma spent most of it observing. Her classmates laughed, exchanged names, and tried to make friends. They seemed so simple.
And then she noticed her.
A blonde girl sitting near the corner, silent. Her eyes were empty, distant. Like Emma, she wasn't talking to anyone—just watching.
When the bell rang for break, the students rushed outside with their lunches. Emma opened her own lunchbox: rice, eggs, and carefully cut orange slices. Her lips curved into a soft smile.
She picked up a piece of fruit and took a small bite. It was simple, but in that moment, the world felt just a little brighter.
–––
By sunset, the long first day was over. Emma left the school grounds, but the uneasy feeling hadn't left her.
She recalled the teacher's warning:
"Everyone, be aware when walking alone. Always watch your surroundings. If you ever feel unsafe, don't hesitate to call for help or find someone you trust. Your safety comes first."
Emma walked alone anyway. She enjoyed the quiet. The city was filled with crimes and corruption—she knew this, even as a child. She saw the world differently than most.
"Everything's so messed up… isn't it?" she whispered to herself.
The streets were calm, the orange-red sky painting everything in a fading glow. She reached her house, placed her hand on the doorknob, and slowly pushed it open.
Chapter End.