1 Starting Out

20 year old male, 5'7, first year of university, that's me. I decided to study in China for a degree in finance after switching my major. I have to say, it is the most random, not thought out decision I've ever made. Many times I have questioned my choice, why China??? I don't speak any Chinese! I'm barely familiar with their customs and ways of life! So why did I decide to study in a completely foreign country? I honestly have no clue, you could say it was fate that led me here.

My parents were very against this idea. I was born in Russia and I come from a line of human cats… That is right, I am part cat, I can turn into a cat. My parents say we come from a very special generation of humans. My ancestors were felines and somehow they have evolved over time to become half cat and half human. My parents thought it was too difficult to go and study in another country, away from the safety confines of home but I somehow persuaded them. So here I am, wishing that I had listened in the first place.

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Today was Sunday, university officially starts tomorrow and I am having a panic attack. What if I don't understand what the professor is saying??? What if everything is in Chinese and I'll just end up failing university??? What if everyone finds out that I'm actually a human-cat mutant??? I tried to calm myself down. It's okay, you're going to an international school, they will speak English, you can understand that and there's no way you're going to turn into a cat in front of everyone! I took a deep breath and decided to start sorting out my things for school tomorrow. Time really passes fast when you're occupied, it was already 8 pm by the time I had everything settled. I still felt very nervous but I managed to convince myself to go to bed early.

My alarm woke me up at 7 am and I reluctantly pulled myself out of bed. After completing my morning routine, I made myself some breakfast. Then, it was time to go. I stood in front of the door, my hand on the knob. Maybe I should just not go to school today�� I thought to myself. Shaking my head, I quickly push that thought out of my brain. No! This is my first day of university, I have to make a decent first impression! I forced myself out the door and slammed it shut. Alright, now that I'm outside, I need to get to school!

Last night, I carefully planned out my transportation because I knew I would get lost. Thank god I was prepared! The distance from my apartment to the school was around 10 minutes so by the time I got there, I would still be pretty early.

When I got on campus, I spotted a cafe across the street and decided that I would get myself a cup of coffee since I have the time to.

Walking into the little shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee met my nose. I felt as if I was in Heaven. The worker behind the cashier knew a limited amount of English but it was enough for me to order my latte. As I took a seat by a window, waiting for my coffee, I spotted an expensive, black car right outside the coffee shop.