Mariana Henderson stood in front of her new apartment building, her heart racing as she took in her surroundings. The busy streets of Silvercity were alive with the energy of students, professionals, and the constant hum of city life. This was a new beginning, one that she hadn't expected but was slowly learning to embrace. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Her parents, Laura and Stuart, had worked hard to make this transition as smooth as possible. Laura, with her soft smile and quiet strength, had helped Mariana organize her things and pack up the last of her childhood home in Hammer. Stuart, ever the steady presence, had supported his daughter every step of the way. It wasn't easy for them either, letting go of their only child, but they knew it was time for Mariana to spread her wings.
The small shared apartment, located just a short walk from the university, had already been set up with the essentials. Mariana's new room had a simple charm, the white walls accented with soft shades of pastel colors. A desk by the window, where she could sit and study in peace, was now the perfect place for her to start her university life.
As she unpacked, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the transition. The world felt different here—bigger, more expansive. There was a part of her that felt a sense of loss, a longing for the life she had left behind. But then she remembered her purpose. She was here to make a difference, to find herself and take on the challenges ahead.
Mariana glanced at her phone. The messages from her parents were constant, checking in on her, making sure she was okay. Her mother's voice echoed in her mind: "Take care of yourself, Mariana. Don't forget to make time for fun too. College is about discovering who you are."
With a deep breath, she smiled to herself. This was her chance to grow.
But, even with all the excitement, there was a part of her that still clung to the past. A part that missed her old life, the one that had been torn apart by the events she couldn't control. And there was a fleeting sense of something—someone—she longed for, though she couldn't quite place it.
Mariana turned her attention back to the unpacking. She would need to focus. There was a new chapter ahead, and she was determined to make the most of it. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was waiting for her.