After completing all the necessary paperwork and documentation, Anya finally received her work schedule. The day she had been both nervous and excited for had arrived her very first shift at the restaurant. Determined to make a good impression, she woke up early and left the house with plenty of time to spare. She didn't want to risk being late on her first day.
The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying a faint scent of wet pavement and distant bakery bread. As she stepped outside, the soft crunch of her shoes against scattered leaves was the only sound accompanying her early footsteps. The sky was a pale grey, heavy with clouds that promised rain later, but for now, the soft light wrapped the city in a gentle hush.
The train ride was calm, the gentle rocking motion lulling her into a quiet contemplation. The cool metal of the handrail was smooth under her fingers as she gripped it, and the faint murmur of fellow passengers was like a comforting background hum. When the train pulled into her stop, she took a deep breath, feeling the slightly sharp edge of nervous anticipation prickling in her chest. Pulling out her phone, she opened the map app to find the best route to the restaurant. Three options appeared, each with its own pros and cons. She chose the shortest path, which the app estimated would take 32 minutes on foot. It seemed like a smart choice at first.
Putting her earbuds in, she selected her favorite playlist on her music app and whispered to herself, "Okay, ready to go." The walk was peaceful at first. She passed alongside a highway, the low, steady hum of distant cars blending with the soft melodies in her ears. Rows of homes lined the street, all built in the same neat, modest style a common sight here, she realized, quite different from the vibrant, bustling neighborhood she had left behind, where life always felt a bit louder, more chaotic.
Soon, the urban setting gave way to something wilder and more unexpected. She found herself at the edge of a small wooded area a patch of forest about 500 meters long she had to cross to connect with the next road. For a moment, Anya hesitated. The fading sunlight filtered softly through the bare branches, casting long shadows on the uneven ground. The scent of damp earth and fallen leaves was strong here, raw and grounding. Yet, she knew that at night, this stretch would feel much more intimidating. Definitely not a route I want to take after dark, she thought firmly.
As she walked through the quiet forest, the crunch of twigs underfoot and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures broke the stillness. She tried to focus on the music and keep her steps steady, the cool breeze brushing her cheeks like a whisper. Emerging on the other side, her spirits lifted instantly. There, shining vibrantly in the evening light, was a large green playground filled with children's laughter and energetic play. The sound was bright and infectious, filling her chest with a sudden warmth. The sight brought a smile to her lips, and she took a deep breath, letting the simple joy of the moment wash over her. Okay, time to go now.
Her first two weeks at work were dedicated to training. Her first training shift landed on Valentine's Day, from 4 pm to 8 pm a somewhat romantic coincidence she found amusing. When she arrived, the restaurant staff handed her a black T-shirt emblazoned with the restaurant's logo and a bright green apron. She loved the colors; they felt cheerful and gave her a sense of belonging. As she tied her dark hair neatly back, she prepared herself mentally to do her best.
Her first task was cleaning tables, and she tackled it with efficiency and quiet pride. There was a younger English boy who started alongside her, but he seemed less enthusiastic about the chore. Anya focused on the routine: clearing dirty dishes and glasses to the bar, dishes to the kitchen then spraying the tables with antibacterial cleaner, wiping them down carefully, and refilling cutlery holders and napkin dispensers.
The rhythm of the work felt grounding, the scent of lemon cleaner sharp and fresh, mingling with the faint aroma of cooked food from the kitchen. She enjoyed the simple satisfaction of seeing clean tables ready for the next guests. By the end of her shift, though tired, she felt happy and accomplished. Walking out into the night, her stomach reminded her it was time to eat. I should bring something to snack on tomorrow, she thought. That'll help on the way to the station.
On her way back, she decided to take the second route she had seen on the map, avoiding the forest this time. The playground was now empty, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The silence was almost complete except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the cool breeze. Anya took a deep breath, the chilly air filling her lungs, and told herself, It's okay. Nothing to worry about. You can do this.
This route brought her past a jogging path next to several houses a safer and more comforting environment than the isolated forest path. The faint scent of wood smoke drifted from a chimney, and the soft, muted lights from windows created a patchwork of warmth along the street. She felt a wave of relief as she walked, her steps lighter than before, the distant bark of a dog reminding her that life carried on quietly here.
When she finally reached the station, the cold air hit her like a wave. She wrapped her coat tighter around her and waited for the train, shivering slightly but smiling to herself. The journey back home was quiet, the rhythmic click of the train wheels against the tracks a soothing lullaby. She arrived just before midnight.
At home, Anya took a quick shower to wash off the day's fatigue, the warm water cascading over her skin like a gentle balm. She reheated the batch of spiced buns with chocolate filling she'd bought earlier the sweet, comforting scent filling the small kitchen. The familiar flavors were a small comfort in the quiet of her apartment. After eating, she washed up, set an alarm, and slipped into bed, the softness of her pillow welcoming her like an old friend. Already, her mind was racing with thoughts of the days ahead.
Her first steps into this new phase balancing work, studies, and life in a foreign city felt daunting but filled with possibility. Each small victory, each new experience, was shaping her into the person she was becoming, forging strength in moments of quiet resolve.