He Knew, Yet He Stayed

The summer heat was already unbearable by the time Violet stepped through the college gates. She stopped for a moment, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. The building was new, and everything about it felt new the classrooms, the corridors, the unfamiliar faces, and even the college itself. It was the first year the college had opened, which meant Violet’s batch was going to be the very first batch to ever study there. For some reason, however, that thought didn’t make her feel special. It made her nervous.

She adjusted the strap of her bag and glanced down at her uniform. She was wearing a white shirt paired with grey cotton trousers, the standard college uniform. Her wavy, slightly curly hair was left open, moving gently with the warm summer breeze. She took a deep breath and looked toward the building. “Okay. First day. It can’t be that bad.” She immediately regretted saying it.

A girl standing a few steps ahead caught her attention. She was wearing the same uniform and carrying a bag over one shoulder. Unlike Violet, her hair was perfectly straight and neatly fell around her shoulders. Violet hesitated for a moment before walking toward her. “Excuse me?” she called. The girl turned around. “Yeah?” Violet smiled politely. “Are you a first-year student too?” The girl smiled back. “Yeah. You?” Violet nodded. “Unfortunately.” The girl laughed softly. “I’m Anna.” “Violet.” They exchanged a quick smile before walking inside together.

“So... do you know where our class is?” Anna asked as they entered the college grounds. Violet looked at her and shook her head. “No.” Anna’s smile disappeared. “Great.” Violet laughed. “We’re already lost on the first day.” They continued walking through the grounds, trying to figure out where they were supposed to go. Neither of them seemed to have any idea where their classroom was, and the unfamiliar building only made things more confusing. After a few minutes, they finally reached the main corridor.

The first thing they noticed was the principal’s office. Right beside it was the staff room. Violet stopped and looked at Anna. “Let’s ask someone before we end up in another city.” Anna laughed and nodded. Together, they walked into the staff room.

Several teachers were inside, but the first person Violet noticed was a young male teacher sitting near the front. He looked up as they approached. “Good morning, sir,” Violet and Anna greeted him politely. “Good morning,” he replied. Violet and Anna introduced themselves and explained that they were trying to find their classroom. The teacher listened patiently before asking, “First year?” They both nodded. “Yes, sir.” He gave them a small smile. “I’m Professor Frox.”

He pointed toward the corridor. “Your classroom is down that hallway. Take the second left, and then you’ll see the classroom at the end.” Violet nodded, trying to remember the directions. “Thank you, sir.” Professor Frox smiled. “You’re welcome. And don’t worry. You’ll get used to the building eventually.” Violet gave him a small smile. “Hopefully.”

They left the staff room and followed his directions. A few minutes later, they finally found their classroom. Violet stepped inside and immediately stopped. She stared at the room for a moment, confused. There were desks, there were walls, there were windows but there were no chairs. Not even one.

She slowly turned toward Anna. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Anna looked around the empty classroom and burst out laughing. Violet dropped her bag beside one of the desks and sighed. “I knew I shouldn’t have come to this college.” Anna laughed even harder. “I think it’s too late to escape now.” Violet crossed her arms. “I don’t care. I’m leaving.”

Before Anna could answer, another familiar voice came from behind them. “Leaving where?” Violet turned around, and her expression immediately changed. “Lily!” Her best friend walked into the classroom, carrying her bag and looking just as confused as they were.

“What happened here?” Lily asked, looking around. Violet pointed toward the empty classroom. “This is what happened.” Lily stared at the room. “Where are the chairs?” Violet immediately replied, “Exactly!” Lily sighed dramatically. “I already hate this place.” Violet nodded in agreement. “Same.” The two girls exchanged a look before simultaneously rolling their eyes.

“Wonderful first day,” Lily muttered. “Absolutely wonderful,” Violet replied sarcastically.

A few more students began arriving, and almost every one of them had the same confused reaction when they saw the empty classroom. “Where are the chairs?” someone asked. Another student looked around and said, “Is this actually our classroom?” Someone else joked, “Are we supposed to sit on the floor?” The room quickly filled with complaints, laughter, and confused conversations.

After several minutes, a few college helpers finally arrived carrying chairs. They began arranging them around the classroom. Violet looked at Lily. “Finally.” Lily crossed her arms and replied sarcastically, “Shukar hai aqal aa gayi.” Violet laughed. “Seriously. It took them long enough.”

Once everyone had settled down, the first period began. The principal entered the classroom, and the room immediately became quiet. The man introduced himself as Mr. Frost, the principal of the college. He welcomed them to their first academic year and explained the college’s rules and regulations. No unnecessary noise. No late arrivals. Proper uniform. Respect for teachers. And several other rules that Violet barely managed to remember.

By the time the lecture ended, Violet leaned toward Lily and whispered, “Does he have a rule for breathing too?” Lily covered her mouth to hide her laugh. “Don’t give him ideas.”

The second period passed, followed by the third. By then, everyone was beginning to feel a little more comfortable. When the break finally arrived, the atmosphere changed completely. Students started introducing themselves to one another, exchanging names, talking about their previous schools, and laughing over their first-day experiences. Violet, Anna, and Lily sat together, occasionally joining the conversations around them.

For the first time that morning, Violet relaxed. Maybe this place wasn’t going to be as terrible as she had thought. Maybe, just maybe, she could get used to it.

The break lasted for about an hour, and before Violet even realized it, the first day was already coming to an end. Students began gathering their bags and heading toward the exit. Violet stood up, adjusted her bag on her shoulder, and looked back at the classroom one last time.

“Well,” she said, “that was interesting.”

Lily laughed. “Interesting? We almost had to sit on the floor.”

Violet smiled. “Still counts.”

The three girls walked out of the classroom together, talking and laughing as they made their way toward the college gates. The summer sun was still shining above them, and the day seemed completely ordinary.

At least, that’s what Violet thought.

She had no idea that this college and the people she had met inside it would eventually become a part of the story she would never be able to forget.