August 2015
Jay adjusted the straps of his backpack for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Freshman year..."
He stared at the front entrance of the high school.
Students filled the sidewalks, laughing with friends, comparing schedules, and trying to figure out where their classes were.
Jay took a deep breath.
"I can do this."
Inside, the hallways were louder than he'd expected.
Upperclassmen walked confidently through the crowds while freshmen nervously checked maps.
Jay unfolded the schedule his counselor had given him.
English – Room 114
"Okay..."
He looked up.
"...Where's 114?"
Almost immediately, someone bumped into him.
"Oh!"
His papers scattered across the floor.
"I'm so sorry!" Jay said as he knelt to pick them up.
Another student crouched down too.
"You dropped your schedule."
Jay looked up.
The student looked a little older—taller, wearing a school hoodie with a backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The older student smiled.
"You look lost."
Jay laughed nervously.
"Is it that obvious?"
"A little."
Jay rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'm trying to find Room 114."
The older student glanced at the paper.
"Oh, that's in the English building."
He pointed down the hallway.
"Go straight, turn left at the trophy case, then it's the second classroom."
Jay smiled.
"Thanks... um..."
"I'm Isamu."
"Jay."
"Nice to meet you, Jay."
"You too."
A bell rang.
"Oh no."
Jay looked at his schedule.
"I'm gonna be late."
Isamu chuckled.
"Better run."
Jay laughed.
"Yeah."
He hurried down the hallway, then looked back for just a second.
Isamu gave him a small wave before heading toward his own class.
Jay smiled to himself.
"Nice guy."
He didn't know it yet, but that brief conversation would become one of the memories he'd remember for years to come.
