2nd January 2025

Tired, I retreated to the stairs, seeking a moment of solitude. Instead, I found a crowd of strangers. Yet amidst them, one face stood out—inviting and familiar. Socializing has never been my strength, especially when I’m immersed in study. It felt awkward at first, but there was something in the air. Ma’am, too, seemed to have her own thoughts waiting to spill out.

She looked into my eyes—eyes of people I usually avoid meeting—she said _"If there’s anything, you can always talk to me."_ It was a simple gesture, yet it reminded me of something: I’m still just a child. I’m 18, but not yet an adult. Somewhere along the way, I’ve forgotten how to smile, truly smile, with a sparkle in my eyes.

What I thought would be a casual moment turned out to be unexpectedly serious, peeling back layers of reflection I hadn’t anticipated. The white wings I once wore so freely have turned grey over the months—but perhaps that’s for the better. Growth comes with change, even if it feels heavy sometimes.

A.V