CHAPTER 1: RESTART
The constant, deafening hum of factory machinery had been Jia Carter’s reality for three long years.
Jia's father passed away family when she was fifteen, survival had taken priority over dreams. When the 2020 pandemic hit, Jia stepped up, working grueling shifts as a production operator to put food on the table. But staring at the conveyer belt every single day, a suffocating realization crept in: work, sleep, repeat.
"Is this really all my life is ever going to be?" she whispered to herself one rainy afternoon. Watching the downpour through the factory windows, a funny thought struck her—students got rainy-day suspensions from the mayor, but factory workers just got wet shoes and longer shifts.
She wanted out. She wanted a future.
Without resigning from her job just yet, twenty-one-year-old Jia secretly applied to St. Jude State University. Against the odds, her papers cleared, her interview went smoothly, and she secured a slot in the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics program.
Soon after, she was added to the official block group chat for incoming freshies. A classmate named Tine emerged as the group's unofficial representative, sharing updates about requirements. Unsure of what to do next, Jia sent Tine a direct message.
Jia: Hi Tine! I just wanted to ask about the medical requirements? Honestly... I'm terrified. I haven't been in school for three years and I'm older than everyone. I'm afraid I might get bullied or fall behind.
Tine: Hello Jia! Don't worry at all, the medical staff is super helpful. Don't be scared, no one is going to bully you! Let me know when you're there tomorrow so we can navigate the medical clearance together.
Relief washed over Jia. But before the night ended, another classmate reached out directly.
Rena: Hi! I saw your name in the group chat. Is it okay if I tag along with you tomorrow for the medical exam?
Jia: Sure! You can join us tomorrow.
The next morning, Jia met Tine and Rena on campus.
There were no loud jokes or instant deep bonds yet—just hesitant, polite smiles and gentle small talk as they navigated the long queues for physical exams. Tine was calm and structured, while Rena carried a friendly, shy demeanor.
After finishing their clearance, they walked together toward the gate to head home, quiet and still feeling out the new atmosphere. On their way out, Jia bumped into another girl from their block chat.
"Hello!" Jia greeted her, realizing who she was. "Are you Rain? I saw a video of you singing in our group chat!"
Rain flushed red, letting out a soft, bashful laugh. "Ah, yes... that was me."
The four of them ended up walking to the transport terminal together. The commute home was mostly silent—the natural, awkward reserve of strangers who had only just met on their very first day
