THE BEGINNING

" we promised to be inseparable, until life proved us wrong. "

The school bell rang, its sharp sound echoing down the empty hallway. Once upon a time, Ava and Michelle would have been the last ones to leave, laughing as they packed their bags, making weekend plans, and racing each other outside the school. But now, as they passed each other in the corridor, they barely exchanged a glance—just a fleeting moment of eye contact before looking away, as if they were strangers.

THE BEGINNING

Michelle’s POV

It was already 7:00 AM, but I was still curled up in bed, enjoying the warmth of my blanket.

That peace didn’t last long, though, because soon enough, my mom came into my room, pulling the curtains open. Sunlight spilled in, making me groan.

“Wake up, sweetheart, or else you’ll be late,” she said gently.

“Five more minutes, Mom,” I mumbled, turning to the other side.

“Michelle, wake up now, or you’ll miss the bus!” she warned.

The thought of missing the bus jolted me awake instantly. No way was I going to be the kid who arrived late on the first day! I quickly got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and threw on my uniform.

After packing my bag, I headed downstairs, where Mom was already waiting with breakfast.

“I made your favorite pancakes,” she said, setting down a plate of warm, fluffy pancakes with a side of orange juice.

I smiled. “Thanks, Mom!” I quickly ate my breakfast, grabbed my lunchbox, and put on my shoes.

Mom walked with me to the bus stop, and we arrived five minutes early. The fresh morning breeze brushed against my face as I waited, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Soon, the bus arrived. Mom kissed my forehead and smiled. “Have fun, sweetie! You’ll do great.”

I waved at her before stepping inside. The familiar scent of the bus filled my nostrils as I made my way to the last seat.

I was  forever that window seat lover—there was just something peaceful about staring outside, lost in my own little world.

As the bus drove toward school, I let my mind wander. It had been a long vacation, and now I was back. Welcome back, Michelle, I muttered to myself.

But as I entered the school building, a sudden wave of sadness hit me.

Everyone was chatting with their friends, laughing and catching up.

But I had no one to greet me.

No best friend to run up to,

no group waiting for me.

With a quiet sigh, I walked to my classroom.

A LONELY START

Inside, the classroom was buzzing with energy. Students were talking, some already forming little groups.

The teacher walked in and greeted everyone, but I could barely focus.

I sat in my usual seat—alone.

While everyone around me was deep in conversation, I stayed silent, fidgeting with the edge of my notebook.

I wanted to talk to someone,

to join in,

but I just… didn’t know how.

“I wish it was that easy to make friends,”

I muttered under my breath.

I stared at the desk, my thoughts spiraling.

Why am I like this?

When will I have that ‘best friends forever’ group?

I just wish… I really wish…

But then, shaking my head, I pushed those thoughts away.

It’s just the first day. There’s still a whole year left.

No need to stress myself out.

Little did I know, everything was about to change.

AVA ARRIVES

A few months into the semester, something unexpected happened.

A new girl joined our class—

her name was Ava.

The moment she stepped in, the whole room felt brighter.

She had this big, radiant smile and a kind of energy that made people gravitate toward her.

She confidently introduced herself to the class, her voice cheerful and full of excitement.

“Hey everyone! I’m Ava. I just transferred here, and I’m super excited to meet all of you!” she said.

People immediately started talking to her, welcoming her like she had always been a part of the class.

It was effortless for her.

I watched from my seat, fascinated. How does she do that?

She wasn’t afraid of being judged,

she didn’t hesitate—she was just… herself.

AN UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP

Days passed, and Ava blended into the class so smoothly. Everyone loved her. She had this natural ability to make people smile, and I couldn’t help but admire her.

I wanted to be like her—confident, open, unafraid. But I wasn’t.

One afternoon, during lunch, I sat at my desk, unboxing the sandwich my mom had packed for me. But as I reached for my water bottle, my elbow accidentally knocked my lunchbox off the desk.

My sandwich landed on the floor.

For a moment, I just stared at it, feeling my face heat up. Great. Just great.

Before I could react, Ava—who had been sitting a few desks away—picked up her sandwich, tore it in half, and handed me a piece without hesitation.

“Here, take this,” she said with a bright smile.

I blinked. “Oh… I-I can’t—”

“Of course, you can. It’s just a sandwich! No big deal.”

She grinned and took a bite of her half.

“Besides, sharing food makes it taste better, don’t you think?”

I hesitated for a second but then took the piece she offered. “Thanks…”

As I took a bite, something clicked in my heart.

Maybe this was it. Maybe this was the moment I had been waiting for.

Maybe , she , was the friend I had been hoping for all along.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel alone.

You are not lost , you are simply on a new shore waiting to discover what comes next.