7:THE FIRST DAY

Amy walked briskly towards the bus stop, the crisp autumn air greeting her with a gentle embrace. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, with a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily. The trees lining the streets were beginning to change color, their leaves turning shades of red, orange, and gold. The gentle rustling of leaves underfoot added to the serene atmosphere of the morning.

As she made her way to the bus stop, Amy's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She wondered how her first day at Cedarville High School would turn out. Would she make new friends? Would the teachers be nice? Would she find her way around the large campus? These questions swirled in her mind, making her heart race with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The bus arrived with a soft hiss of its brakes, and Amy climbed aboard, finding a seat by the window. As the bus rumbled down the streets, she watched the familiar sights of her neighborhood pass by, her thoughts drifting back to the comforting words of her grandmother. Nana's encouragement had given her a boost of confidence, but the unknown still loomed large.

The bus ride seemed to stretch on forever, yet it also felt like no time at all before the school came into view. Cedarville High School stood majestically, its elegant architecture a blend of modern design and classic charm. The building was surrounded by well-manicured lawns and vibrant flower beds, adding to its beauty. The school gates were wide open, welcoming students to a new academic year.

Amy alighted from the bus, taking a deep breath as she stepped onto the school grounds. The atmosphere was electric with the buzz of students reuniting after the summer break. Groups of friends chatted animatedly, their laughter ringing through the air. The students, all dressed in their crisp uniforms, trooped into the school in a steady stream, their excitement palpable.

Amy took a moment to take in the scene. The elegance of the school and its surroundings filled her with a sense of awe. The tall trees lining the pathways, the neatly trimmed hedges, and the colorful flowers all contributed to the school's serene and welcoming environment. She felt a mix of nerves and anticipation as she walked towards the entrance, her heart pounding with each step.

As she approached the main doors, Amy reminded herself of Nana's words: "Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place." With a deep breath and a determined smile, she stepped into Cedarville High School.

The hallway was bustling with activity. Lockers lined the walls, each one decorated with personal touches—stickers, magnets, and photos. Students moved about, some chatting in groups, others hurrying to find their classrooms. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, greetings, and the occasional locker door slamming shut.

Amy's eyes widened as she took in the scene. The hallway was bright and spacious, with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. The floors were polished to a shine, reflecting the vibrant energy of the students. Bulletin boards displayed colorful posters announcing upcoming events, club meetings, and sports tryouts.

She walked slowly, taking in every detail. The scent of freshly polished floors mixed with the faint aroma of cafeteria food wafting from down the hall. She could hear snippets of conversations—friends catching up, discussing their summer adventures, and speculating about the new school year.