Chapter Seven

Chapter Title:

I took a deep breath and stepped out, my fingers brushing the edge of my keycard as I walked down the hall, searching for my room number. The anticipation built with every step, each door I passed adding to the mystery. Whatever lay behind that door on the top floor, it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.

...

Stepping into the top-floor lobby, every step felt as if it was measured, as doubt swirled in my mind like an unwelcome guest. The grandeur of my surroundings felt almost suffocating, a stark reminder that I was a stranger in a world of the privilege. But this was my opportunity, my shot at something greater, and I had to take it, no matter how misplaced I felt after all I'm an opportunist I take the chance I get.

The keycard in my hand read 07, a number that didn't seem so daunting until now. It wasn't the grandest room on the platinum floor, but it was close enough to make me feel a flicker of pride. As I moved down the hall, my footsteps echoing softly, I couldn't help but wonder what lay beyond the door that matched my key.

When I reached it, I paused for a moment, as dear heart began pounding in my chest. Sliding the card into the lock, I heard the soft click of the mechanism, and the door swung open. My breath hitched as I stepped inside.

The room was breathtaking, a perfect blend of sophistication and modern luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the space in a soft, golden light, and every piece of furniture seemed carefully chosen to exude elegance. It was more than I had ever dared to dream.

I stood there, momentarily frozen by the sheer opulence, before catching myself. A small, incredulous smile tugged at my lips as I quietly shut the door behind me. Leaning against it, I took a deep breath, letting the reality of my new surroundings wash over me. This was no longer a dream; this was my life now. And as overwhelming as it felt, I was ready to embrace it, one step at a time.

Although the room's grandeur left me in awe, my exhaustion overruled any chance to fully appreciate it. My body ached for rest, forcing me to prioritize a shower over admiring my luxurious surroundings. With a sigh of surrender, I stripped off my travel-worn clothes and stepped into the sleek bathroom.

Turning on the shower, I let the warm water cascade over me, washing away the fatigue of the day. As the steam enveloped me, a sense of calm began to creep in, easing the tension from my muscles. It was a familiar comfort, one that always seemed to dull the edges of my weariness. For a moment, I stood there, letting the water work its magic, my mind blissfully empty as my body slowly rejuvenated.Feeling refreshed after my shower, I wrapped myself in a towel and made my way back into the sitting room, where my suitcase lay waiting. I crouched beside it, rummaging through its contents in search of a robe or something equally comfortable. My fingers brushed against fabric after fabric, but nothing seemed right.

With a sigh of acceptance, I grabbed a black hoodie and a pair of shorts. It wasn't quite what I had in mind, but it would have to do. As I pulled them on, the weight of the day began to settle in my bones. The bed beckoned, and without further delay, I padded over, ready to let sleep claim me at last.

I turned and headed to the bedroom, my thoughts inevitably drifting back to my mother. This was the first night I'd be so far away from her, and the ache of separation was already settling in. How is she holding up without me? Is she remembering to eat on time? Is she feeling as lost as I do right now?

I lay back in bed, the soft sheets cool against my skin, but the weight in my chest wouldn't lift. My mom's voice echoed in my mind, as clear as if she were right here beside me: "Be the unshakable force." I could almost hear the strength in her words, that quiet but firm command she always gave me when the world felt overwhelming. It was her way of telling me that no matter what came my way, I could face it head-on. And no matter how much I missed her, how much I felt out of place, I had to remember that.

I turned toward the window, where the fading light of day was swallowed by the night. The campus felt alive just beyond the walls of my room, but inside, it was too quiet. I pulled my knees up to my chest, curling into myself, trying to find some comfort in the stillness. The space felt too big, too empty.

Tomorrow was a new day. A fresh start. A chance to push forward and make this place mine. I thought about the classes, the people I might meet, the new experiences waiting for me. I had no idea what the future held, but I couldn't back down now. Be the unshakable force. My mom's words came back to me with a renewed intensity. She had said it so many times, especially when I doubted myself, and now, more than ever, I needed to believe it.

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand and checked the schedule for tomorrow. A few classes, a campus tour—nothing too intimidating, but enough to keep me on my toes. I needed to be focused, to be sharp. I couldn't let myself get swallowed by the fear of the unknown. Not when I had so much to prove, not just to the world, but to myself.

I set the phone down and turned off the light, letting the darkness settle around me. The quiet of the room was almost suffocating, but I pushed through it. Be the unshakable force. Tomorrow was a new day, and I was ready for it.