Chapter 1
340 Words
Mira landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after a long, quiet flight.
Her head hurt, her legs were stiff, and all she wanted was a shower and a real bed. The airport was loud and crowded, but she moved slowly, holding tightly to her small suitcase and backpack.
She kept her head down and followed the signs until she reached immigration.
Everything felt too fast and too loud, but she reminded herself to stay calm. She answered the officer’s questions, showed her documents, and got waved through. One step closer.
Mira had been accepted into St. Vincent University, a private college just outside the city.
She had received a full scholarship and an offer she couldn't turn down, a new life far from home.
Someone named Isabel Cortez, the university’s administrative officer, had handled her paperwork and arranged her pickup from the airport.
Mira stepped outside and spotted a woman holding a sign with her name: Mira Cole.
The woman smiled politely. “You must be Mira. I’m Isabel.”
Mira nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
Isabel was in her late thirties, dressed neatly in a navy coat and flats. She helped Mira load her bags into a black car and sat beside her in the backseat.
“The apartment isn’t far from campus,” Isabel explained. “It belongs to one of our international postgraduate students. He offered to rent the extra room since he’s rarely around. You’ll be staying there for now instead of the dorms, as requested.”
Mira didn’t ask questions. She had already agreed when the offer was made. Dorms were crowded. She wanted quiet.
“He’s not in town much,” Isabel added. “But he’s responsible. If you need anything, you can always contact me.”
Mira nodded again. Her throat was dry. She kept her eyes on the window as the car moved through the busy streets. Everything looked different. New. Bigger than what she was used to. But her heart still felt tight in her chest.
- Writer
