I awoke to the gentle touch of sunlight streaming through my bedroom window, turning slightly on my bed to greet the day.
Curiosity piqued, I glanced at my phone to check the time. It read 6:38 a.m. It occurred to me that I should seize the day, retrieve the rest of my belongings from my car, and complete the unpacking that awaited me. But my stomach had other plans, growling in protest. It was clear; breakfast was the first order of business.
After a quick shower and a change into more comfortable attire, I ventured outside. My memory summoned the image of a café on campus, making it the perfect choice for my morning meal.
As I stepped out of my dorm, a chance encounter awaited me. I collided with a vibrant stranger, her fiery red hair and a mosaic of tattoos adorning her right arm catching my eye.
"Sorry," I stammered, a flush of embarrassment coloring my cheeks, the result of my haste to satisfy my hunger.
"No problem," she replied, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "You're new here, right?"
I nodded in response, realizing my anonymity in Madison Hall had been compromised.
"I haven't seen your face around Madison Hall before."
"Oh," I replied, slightly irritated by my failure to anticipate that explanation.
"Do you have a name?" she inquired, a friendly grin still lighting up her features. "Mine's Rae, short for Rachel."
"Sophia," I replied.
"So, where were you headed in such a rush?" she asked, her eyes portraying a hint of curiosity.
"Campus Café, for breakfast," I admitted with a trace of embarrassment coloring my face.
"Ah, I'm heading there as well. Want to go together?"
"Sure," I agreed, grateful for the unexpected company on only my second day in this unfamiliar place, momentarily forgetting that I still hadn't met my roommate.