"Hey Maddie, let's go to school together."
Emilia, my schoolmate, stood at my doorstep, smiling brightly as she invited me to join her on our first day of school.
Even though three days ago on the afternoon of the entrance ceremony, I had made it clear on walk home that I wasn't interested in making friends.
Also I had told her not to call me by that nickname, one I reserved only for family and the few people I trusted.
Yet here she was again, undeterred, calling me "Maddie" as though my boundaries ment nothing to her.
She kept insisting until my patience wore thin. I let out a long sigh and gave in.
"Fine, let's go," I muttered at last. And so, together we set off for our first day of the fall semister.
Three days earlier, August 11, 2028.
I had walked the half-hour from my house to Burbank Heights High School for the entrance ceremony.
At the gate, Student Council members guided us freshmen toward the auditorium.
Inside, I slipped into a seat near the back, hoping to disappear into crowd of hundreds of nervous students.
My stomach twisted. This was supposed to be my fresh start, but all I felt was the weight of the past still clinging to me like a shadow.
The ceremony began with a welcome address from the Student Council President, who stepped confidently onto the stage, illuminated by the bright lights.
"Good morning, faculty, families, and most importantly, the Class of 2028."
Her voice was steady yet warm, carrying easily through the hall, radiating kind of confidence I can't imagine ever having.
"My name is Jullia Simmons, and I have the honor of serving as your Student Council President here at Burbank Heights High School. On behalf of the entire student body, I welcome you."
Sha paused, letting her gaze sweeping the sea of anxious freshmen.
"Today isn't just the beginning of high school, it's the start of something that will challenge you, shape you, and support you in ways you can't yet imagine.
I know what it feels like to sit where you are now. I once nervous too, unsure if I'd ever belong. But I promise you this: you will. It may take time, but one day, you'll walk these halls and feel at home."
Her voice softened, carrying a more personal weight.
"High school is more than grades and rules. It's about taking risks, following your passions, and discovering who you are. So join a club. Try out for a team. Run for various positions. Don't hold back. This is your time to explore, to grow, to dream big. And remeber- your voices matter. If you ever lost, come to us. We're here to help."
With calm assurance, she concluded:
"So, to the freshman class- welcome to Burbank Heights High School. Welcome to the next chapter of your lives."
Her confidence felt foreign to me, but something inside me flickered- a small spark.
Maybe she's right.
Maybe this really can be a new beginning.
The applause broke me from my thoughts, and I joined in, though my hand felt heavy.
Following her speech, she introduced Ezra Miller, the top scorer of the entrance exam, chosen to represent the incoming freshman class.
"Good morning, teachers, families, fellow freshmen, and the Student Council," he began, his voice a little shaky but growing stronger with each word.
"My name is Ezra Miller, and I'm honored to stand here today. This moment isn't only about starting high school. It's about new beginnings. No matter who we are or where we come from, today we all start a fresh chapter together."
His tone grew firmer, his confidence building.
"So to my fellow freshmen- let's support one another. Let's take chances. And let's make these years not just good, but unforgettable."
When he stepped back, the audience erupted in applause once more.
The ceremony drew to a close, everyone in the auditorium started exchanging introductions and laughter.
I sat still for a moment, listening, watching the crowd. A faint but undeniable spark stirred within me, carried by the atmosphere.
Maybe- just maybe- that spark could help me change.
Maybe it could finally help me leave the past behind.