Thresholds Unveiled

The drive to the university was a quiet one. Dad sat beside me, his hands gripping the wheel firmly but relaxed, while I stared out of the car window. The city's towering buildings, the neat streets, and the distant view of Mount Fuji on the horizon felt surreal, almost like stepping into a different world—one I wasn't sure I belonged to yet.

"Nervous?" Dad's voice broke through the hum of the engine. His tone was gentle, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes when I glanced at him.

"A little," I admitted, twisting the strap of my bag nervously. "I've never…done something like this before. And everything feels…foreign."

Dad's hand briefly left the steering wheel to pat my shoulder. "You'll do great, Surin. They'll be lucky to have someone like you. Just remember, you earned this."

His words settled the knots in my stomach, even if just a little. The university—a prestigious medical school—loomed into view, its modern glass buildings reflecting the sunlight. It looked daunting, but also, strangely, welcoming.

As soon as we stepped out of the car, Jia bounded up to us, her bright smile infectious as always. She was dressed in a casual but stylish outfit that screamed confidence, her artsy vibe unmistakable.

"Suri!" she called, waving dramatically. "About time you showed up! I've been waiting forever."

"You're early," I said with a small laugh, grateful for her energy. It made the intimidating day ahead feel lighter.

"Of course I am. This is *the* day," she declared. "We're both becoming college students. Isn't that wild?"

Dad chuckled beside me. "You two better get going. Admissions offices don't wait for anyone."

The process turned out to be surprisingly smooth. My high school grades—as Dad often reminded me—were more than enough to secure my spot. The staff at the admissions office were kind and efficient, walking me through each step with a professionalism that eased my nerves. I could feel Dad's pride radiating as he watched me hand over my documents and answer questions confidently.

"All set, Miss Lee. Congratulations," the admissions officer said with a warm smile as she handed me a packet of information about the program.

"Thank you," I replied, bowing slightly, trying to balance my gratitude and formality.

When we stepped out of the office, Jia was waiting in the corridor, leaning against the wall and tapping away on her phone. She looked up as soon as she spotted us, her grin widening.

"So? How was it? Did they bow down and roll out the red carpet for you?"

I rolled my eyes. "It went fine. Really smooth, actually."

"Told you," Dad said, clapping me on the shoulder.

Jia linked her arm through mine. "Great, because now it's my turn." She glanced at Dad. "Mind if I borrow Suri for some emotional support?"

Dad waved us off with a smile. "Go ahead. I'll wait here."

Walking with Jia to the arts department was an entirely different experience. The building was buzzing with creativity, from students sketching in notebooks to a girl practicing her violin in the corner. Jia fit right in, her excitement bubbling over as she took in everything.

"This is it," she whispered as we approached the admissions desk. Her nervousness was endearing, a rare sight for someone as outgoing as her. I squeezed her arm reassuringly.

"You've got this," I said, echoing Dad's words to me earlier.

Her process was just as smooth as mine, though Jia being Jia, she managed to charm the admissions officer with her quick wit and radiant personality. By the time we walked back to meet Dad, we were both officially college students.

"We did it," Jia said, raising her hand for a high five. I hesitated for a moment before slapping my palm against hers.

"We did," I agreed softly, a small smile playing on my lips. The weight of the day started to settle into something lighter, something more hopeful. For the first time in a long while, the future didn't feel so daunting. It felt like a beginning.