A New Beginning

Victoria Morgan stood in the middle of her bedroom, surrounded by half-packed suitcases and an assortment of clothes scattered across the floor. A soft California breeze filtered in through the open window, carrying with it the scent of salt from the ocean a few miles away. It was the last night she would spend in her childhood home before leaving for New York University—3,000 miles away from everything she had ever known.

She ran a hand through her long, fiery red hair, her fingers catching in the waves as she exhaled slowly. Packing was harder than she thought. Not physically—no, she had no problem folding jeans and rolling up sweaters—but emotionally. Every time she placed an item into her suitcase, it felt like she was tucking away a piece of her life, preparing to step into something unknown.

Victoria had always been the type of person to embrace change with an open heart. She was generous, kind, always ready to help someone in need. Her teachers in high school had praised her intelligence and diligence, and her friends adored her for her unwavering loyalty. But as she stood there now, staring at the piles of belongings she still had to sort through, a small knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach.

Would she fit in at NYU? Would she make friends? What if she got homesick?

"Sweetheart, do you need help?" Her mother's voice came from the doorway, warm and soothing.

Victoria turned, offering her mom a smile. "I think I'm almost done. Just trying to decide if I should bring my entire closet or just half of it."

Her mother chuckled, stepping inside. "Well, knowing you, you'll probably end up giving away half your clothes to someone who needs them more."

Victoria grinned. It was true. She had always been the kind of person who shared—whether it was notes in class, an extra snack at lunch, or even her own clothes if someone needed them.

Her mom sat down on the bed and picked up a soft lavender sweater. "You're really going to do this. You're really leaving for New York."

"I know," Victoria said, sitting beside her. "It doesn't feel real yet."

Her mother brushed a stray strand of hair from Victoria's freckled nose. "I'm so proud of you. NYU is a huge step, but I know you're going to do amazing things there."

Victoria leaned into the hug her mother offered, inhaling the familiar scent of her vanilla perfume. "I hope so. It just feels… overwhelming. Like, what if I don't find my place there?"

"You will," her mom assured her. "You've always been good at making people feel comfortable around you. You're sweet, generous, and smart—anyone would be lucky to have you as a friend."

Victoria smiled, reassured by her mother's words. She had spent her whole life in this town, in the same house, with the same people. College would be a whole new world—new faces, new experiences, and a new version of herself she had yet to discover.

Just then, her phone buzzed beside her. She picked it up and saw a message from her best friend, Olivia.

Liv: I can't believe you're actually leaving tomorrow. This is illegal. I didn't approve this.

Victoria laughed, quickly typing back.

Victoria: Trust me, I didn't approve it either. But I promise, I'll text you all the time. And you HAVE to visit me.

A reply came almost instantly.

Liv: Duh. You're not getting rid of me that easily. We have a best friend contract. Read the fine print.

Victoria shook her head, smiling. Olivia had been her best friend since they were kids, and even though they were going to different colleges, Victoria knew their bond wouldn't change.

Her mom patted her knee and stood up. "Alright, I'll let you finish up. Try to get some sleep tonight, okay?"

"I will," Victoria promised, even though she wasn't sure she'd be able to.

As her mom left, Victoria looked around the room once more. It felt strange, knowing that this would no longer be her daily reality. She had spent years dreaming about moving to New York, and now that it was actually happening, it felt surreal.

She got up and walked to her window, leaning against the frame. The California sky was clear, the stars twinkling above the palm trees. The streets outside were quiet, the familiar houses bathed in soft moonlight.

Tomorrow, she'd be in a different city. A city that never slept.

She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. This was it. The start of something new.

Taking a deep breath, she whispered to herself, "You've got this, Tori."

And deep down, she knew she did.