Togetherness

I stepped into the classroom as usual, the weight of my few books tugging at my shoulder bag. As I settled into my seat, I noticed a palpable sense of anticipation in the air, mirrored by the radiant expressions adorning the faces of my fellow students. Their joy seemed to promise something extraordinary awaited us today, akin to freshly blossomed roses heralding a new day. Witnessing such exuberance at the outset filled me with a sense of optimism; surely, a day that begins with such cheer bodes well.

The professor made her entrance, clutching her registers and assorted materials, her own countenance even brighter than those of the students. I couldn't help but wonder what could possibly elicit such a buoyant mood.

Taking her place at the front of the room, she unfurled her register and commenced the roll call, each name a note in the melody of the morning. Outside, the winter weather had wrapped the world in a cloak of fog, chill, and snow, compelling everyone to layer up against the penetrating cold. Yet, within the classroom, despite the frosty conditions beyond the windows, the warmth of anticipation and excitement filled the air, promising a day brimming with possibility.

I turned my attention away from the foggy window, its surface obscured by a veil of condensation that rendered the outside world a blur of shapes and shadows. My artistic inclinations stirred within me, and I found myself compelled to leave my mark on the misty canvas before me. It had been ages since I had indulged in such an endeavor, but the opportunity seemed too tempting to resist.

With tentative strokes, I began to sketch upon the foggy glass, my fingertips tracing the outlines of features imagined rather than observed. Yet, as my creation took shape, it deviated from reality in whimsical ways. The nose expanded, the brows thickened into bushy arcs, and the eyes widened beyond their natural proportions. Each stroke seemed to imbue the fog with a temporary semblance of life, until a gentle gust of wind erased my efforts, dispersing the features into a formless haze once more.

Abruptly, I realized that the professor had concluded the roll call, her demeanor now aglow with an unmistakable aura of excitement. A glimmer of anticipation flickered in her eyes, suffused with a radiant silver-white light, as she addressed the class in a tone that commanded attention.

"Well, class!" Her voice rang out, carrying the promise of something extraordinary on the horizon.

Every student in the room seemed to hang on the professor's every word, their eyes gleaming with newfound hopes and dreams. Some imagined lazy mornings, sleeping in until late, indulging in carefree winter days, enjoying nights out with friends, savoring warm drinks, and ending the day cuddled up with their beloved partners.

Similar aspirations flickered briefly in my own eyes, only to be overshadowed by the looming specter of a darkened room, extinguishing the buzzing bees of anticipation within me. I shifted my focus to the professor, her radiant expression suggesting she might be envisioning those cozy mornings nestled in bed on a crisp winter day.

"I have some exciting news to share with you all," she declared, her voice filled with contagious enthusiasm.

A cheer erupted from somewhere to my right, punctuating the charged atmosphere with an air of anticipation.

"Any guesses?" she prompted, inviting the class to speculate.

"Holidays!" someone called out eagerly.

"Yes!" she confirmed, her smile widening as the room erupted into cheers, hoots, and laughter.

Despite the lingering fear that had been gnawing at me, a sense of relief washed over me. The professor's words echoed in my ears once more, reassuring me, "We will deal with it together."

"Together!

Together!

Together!!!" The chants echoed through the room, resonating with a sense of unity and relief.

As the professor began her lecture, she wished us all a happy holiday and advised us to maintain our study routines even during the break. While some students nodded along, it was clear that most had already made plans to indulge in the freedom of the holiday season, whether it be traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the break from academic obligations.

Feeling a mix of emotions, I couldn't help but wonder what the break held in store for me. Fear, happiness, uncertainty—all swirled within me, leaving me feeling both everything and nothing at once.

When the lecture finally ended, I left the room only to find the professor waiting for me outside. With a slight hug, we walked together down the corridor, side by side, heading towards the staircase that led to the lower floors.

"So," I began, my gaze fixed ahead, "what's the plan?"

Her voice beside me broke through the silence. "I don't know, I'm scared."

"Of what?" I inquired, turning to face her.

"Of being alone at home," she confessed, her vulnerability echoing my own fears.

"Oh, come on. We will deal with it," she reassured me, her voice carrying a comforting tone.

"I know. But still," I replied, my hesitation lingering.

"What's still?" she probed gently, her concern evident in her expression.

I glanced at her briefly before shifting my gaze ahead, where the trees swayed in the breeze, their branches dancing to an invisible rhythm.

"Nothing," I murmured, unwilling to burden her with my inner turmoil.

Descending the staircase together, we made our way to the cafeteria, where the usual bustling crowd filled the space, a festive air permeating the atmosphere as students celebrated the upcoming break.

I longed to join in their merriment, to feel the same sense of happiness and relief. Yet, despite her repeated assurances that we would face it together, I couldn't shake the weight of my own fears and uncertainties.

Pulling out a chair for her, I watched as she took her seat, her suggestion of making plans hanging in the air.

"We need to make some plans," she suggested, breaking the silence.

"Ummm..." I hesitated, unsure of where to begin.

"Don't worry," she reassured me, her voice gentle yet firm.

I nodded in acknowledgment, sensing the words she was about to say before they even left her lips. "I know, together we will deal with it."

"Exactly," she affirmed with a cheerful smile. "Now cheer up."

I made an effort to comply, forcing a smile as the waiter brought our order to the table. In that moment, surrounded by the buzz of conversation and the aroma of food, I allowed myself to believe in the possibility of overcoming whatever challenges lay ahead.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes!!!

It will be better. Together, we will navigate through it, emerging stronger on the other side.