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Monday,September 1, 2025

Aurelia Marinville had just left Silverwood, the city she had known her whole life. Her dad got transferred, and now she was in Valencia… a city full of strangers, new streets, and a school she didn’t know anyone at. 9th grade wasn’t going to be easy, and making friends? Forget it.

She stepped out of the car, memories of her old friends rushing through her mind. The honk of her dad’s car horn made her look up. He smiled at her through the side mirror, knowing she wasn’t happy. She forced a small smile back — a smile of pain.

Placing her right foot on the pavement, she took a deep breath. Everything is gonna be fine ,she whispered to herself.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a girl cycling past the street. Lia stepped back instinctively. Great start, she muttered. Not scary at all.

Entering the new flat, she explored the rooms. It was big, shiny, clean — but it didn’t feel like home. She shared a room with her sister, Eelia, who immediately ran to the bed and jumped on it.

“Sis! Can I sleep on the higher bed?” Eelia asked, eyes sparkling.

“No! That’s mine,” Lia said, half annoyed, half laughing. “You can’t just claim my bed!”

Eelia stuck her tongue out. “Then we’ll fight for it later!”

Lia shook her head, trying to hide her nerves. Okay… I can do this. Valencia, new school, new people… I got this. She walked to the window and looked outside. The city was buzzing, unfamiliar, and exciting all at once. Maybe this change wouldn’t be so bad… maybe.

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Tuesday, September 2, 2025

I was sleeping… or trying to. I had gone to bed late last night, and somehow I woke up way too early, almost six o’clock. I rushed outside and opened the door and… this wasn’t Silverwood. Nothing felt familiar. My friends weren’t here, the streets looked strange, and my memories of home felt so far away.

Sighing, I went back to my room and sat at my desk, opening my diary. That’s when I heard a knock.

Knock, knock, knock…

“Yes, Dad? Come in,” I called.

“Hi, Lia. How are you feeling?”

“Not so great,” I mumbled, rubbing my head. “It feels… heavy.”

“Hmm… how about we go shopping? Maybe it’ll cheer you up.”

“Shopping? What are we shopping for?”

“Did you forget? You’re starting your new school on September 5th. You need a bag.”

“Oh… yeah. I remember.”

Dad smiled gently. “Come on. Let’s go find something you like.”

That made me feel a little better. I’ve always loved shopping—especially cute things.

At the store, my eyes immediately landed on a pastel pink backpack. It’s perfect. I held it in my hands, smiling to myself.

Then I noticed her.

A girl across from me, holding a black bag, looking at me like I’d done something wrong.

“Childish,” she said.

I frowned. “Why do you even care? Mind your own business.”

She smirked, flipped her hair, and walked past me. “ kira that's my name and that will be the name u hate the most ”

I stood there, stunned. Great. First day out, and I already have a rival.

I slowly put the bag back and walked to Dad.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah… I guess,” I said quietly.

He looked at me for a moment. “Listen, Liaa. New places can feel strange at first. But give it time. Not everyone you meet will be like that girl.”

I nodded. “I know… I’ll try.”

When we got home, I lay down on my bed and picked up my phone. I had sent a message to my best friend, Sera Vale. It had been an hour since I sent it, but she still hadn’t seen or replied.

That hurt more than I expected.

I grabbed my headphones and walked to the balcony. The air was quiet, and the city felt distant. I played some sad music and sat there alone, letting everything sink in.

Maybe this place would get better.

But right now… it didn’t feel like home.

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