We walked through the hallways of the school, making our way to the principal’s office. Aria was quiet, but I could feel her nervous energy beside me. Once inside, the principal—a middle-aged woman with stern but kind eyes—handed Aria her new uniform. The sight of the neatly folded clothes seemed to stun her, her hands trembling slightly as she took it.
“You’re being admitted to the final year, Ms. Winters,” the principal said with a smile. “It’s quite rare for us to enroll someone so late in the school year, but given the circumstances, we’re more than happy to accommodate you.”
Aria nodded slowly, still processing everything. I stayed by her side, watching her closely as she clutched the uniform to her chest like it was the most precious thing she’d ever received. For her, maybe it was. This was more than just a school uniform—it was a symbol of a future she thought she’d lost.
After the formalities were done, we were taken to see her classroom. The teacher, a sharp-looking woman with glasses, greeted us warmly. She explained a bit about the curriculum, but I could tell Aria wasn’t listening anymore. Her eyes were wide, taking in the desks, the students who had gathered in groups, the lively chatter that filled the room. She was like a child seeing something magical for the first time.
“This is your class, Aria,” I said softly, placing a hand on her back. “You’ll be here to finish your studies.”
Her gaze flickered up to mine, and for a moment, she looked as though she might cry. But instead, she smiled. A real, genuine smile that made her whole face light up.
“I… I can’t believe this,” she whispered. “I never thought I’d be here again.”
“You deserve this,” I replied, my voice low. “And much more.”