Episode 3: Settling In
307 Words
Ethan awoke to the clatter of a door. Kevin, his roommate, was rummaging through a pile of clothes.
“Morning, bro,” Kevin said without looking up. “First lecture today?”
“Yeah,” Ethan replied, sitting up and stretching. His nerves were back, a constant reminder of the expectations he carried.
“Don’t sweat it,” Kevin said with a grin. “First days are just introductions. Boring stuff.”
Ethan smiled faintly, appreciating Kevin’s laid-back attitude. By the time he was ready, Kevin had already left, leaving Ethan to navigate the campus on his own.
Walking into the lecture hall, Ethan was struck by its size. Rows of desks stretched out like waves, and the chatter of students filled the air. He found a seat near the middle, pulling out his notebook just as the lecturer walked in.
“Welcome to Engineering Mathematics,” the lecturer began, her sharp voice commanding the room.
Ethan’s pen moved furiously, capturing every word. He was determined to stay ahead, to prove he belonged here.
After class, as he packed his things, a familiar voice called out. “Ethan, right?”
He turned to see Sophia standing at the door, her radiant smile as captivating as ever.
“Hey! How was your first lecture?” she asked, walking toward him.
“It was good. Intense, but good,” Ethan replied, his heart racing.
“Well, you survived,” she said with a laugh. “A bunch of us are grabbing lunch. You should join.”
Ethan hesitated. He had planned to review his notes, but the invitation was too tempting to decline.
“Sure,” he said, following her out.
As they walked together, Ethan felt a mix of excitement and unease. He was stepping into a world he didn’t fully understand, and it was only just beginning.
- Writer
