NEW BEGINNINGS

The room welcomed the morning sun, its walls painted in a gentle shade of beige that embraced a comforting ambiance. A reliable alarm clock, perched on the bedside table, softly announced the beginning of a new day. Positioned in one corner, the bed beckoned with its plush pillows and cozy duvet, inviting a tranquil night's rest. Adjacent to the bed, a modest bedside table hosted a soft lamp, casting a warm glow over the room during quiet evenings. On the opposite side, a well-organized bookshelf showcased an array of novels, their colorful spines creating a delightful mosaic of literary possibilities.

The room echoed with the soothing sound

of water rushing as the bathroom door creaked open. Inside, a young lady named Shana soaked in the bathtub, lost in her thoughts. The warm water enveloped her, and the room filled with the gentle flicker of scented candles. The knock on the bathroom door snapped Shana from her thoughts. Her mother, Eleanor, stood outside, a reminder of the approaching first day of school. 

Thalia gently tapped on the partially opened bathroom door, "Shana, sweetheart, it's time to get ready for your first day at the new school."

Shana, wrapped in a towel, looked up with a mix of reluctance and anxiety in her bright blue eyes, "Mom, do I really have to go? I'm not comfortable making new friends, and everything is just... different."

Thalia entered the room, her reassuring smile trying to ease Shana's unease, "I understand it's a big change, darling, but new beginnings can be exciting. You'll make friends in no time, and you don't have to get worked up about it.

"Shana sighed, "I just... I don't want to mess things up or say the wrong thing. What if they don't like me?"

Thalia placed a comforting hand on Shana's shoulder, "You're a wonderful person, Shana. Just be yourself, and people will see that. Now, let's get you dressed so you can make a great first impression. You've got this."

After a moment of hesitation, Shana nodded, a glimmer of resolve in her eyes. "Okay, Mom. I'll give it a try."

After Thalia left the room, Shana took a deep breath and walked up to her wardrobe. She scanned through the array of clothing, her fingers lightly tracing the fabric of each outfit. After a brief contemplation, she settled on a comforting choice for the day ahead.

Shana pulled out a simple yet stylish blue top, its hue reminiscent of a clear sky. She paired it with a pair of reliable black denim jeans, an ensemble that struck a balance between comfort and a touch of personal style. As she dressed, Shana couldn't help but feel a small spark of confidence, as if the carefully chosen outfit was a shield against the uncertainties of the day.

Shana made her way to the garage, the soft hum of the morning outside the door growing louder. As she entered, she found her mother, Thalia, and her younger sister, Sophie, already waiting by the car.

Sophie, a ball of energy at 12 years old, looked Shana up and down and couldn't resist commenting, "Is that what you're wearing on your first day, Shana?"

Shana, with a faint smile, replied, "Yep, just keeping it simple."

Sophie giggled and teased, "Simple? More like plain and boring."

Ignoring the playful jab, Shana continued towards the car, a touch of amusement in her eyes. Sometimes, Sophie's spirited comments were just what Shana needed to lighten the mood.