The following morning, Htet woke to the familiar chirping of birds outside his dorm window. The initial nerves that had accompanied him during his first days at Mizuhara International Academy had faded somewhat, replaced with cautious optimism. He was beginning to feel a sense of rhythm; delightful meals, daily greetings from friends, flow of classes, conversations, laughters and quiet moments.
Htet (thinking as he adjusted his uniform): “Another day, Another glory. Thanks to those guys, I am enjoying this challenging school life”
The thought was comforting. He had made it through the first few days, and while there was still a lot to navigate, he felt more grounded than he had when he first arrived.
—
Scene: The walk to school
The walk to school had become one of Htet’s favorite parts of the day. The path was lined with cherry trees, their leaves fluttering gently in the morning breeze. Hana waiting and greeting him at the gates, as usual, her cheerful energy blessing through the cool morning air.
Hana (grinning): “Oh Morning, Htet! You’re early today. Wasn't what I am expecting. What’s the occasion?”
Htet (smiling faintly): “Trying to make a good impression. Or at least avoid a bad one.”
Hana (teasing): “Well, you’re off to a good start…..or are you trying to impress someone?”
Htet (reassuring): “Nope, just those days where you feel like ‘Its my day’.”
The two made their way to class, falling into an easy conversation. It was strange how quickly Htet had grown accustomed to Hana’s presence. She had a way of making things feel less daunting, even when the day seemed long.
—
Class Scene: Science Period
Today’s first class is science with Dr. Nakano. Htet had heard whispers from other students about how strict she could be, but also how much they admired her for her knowledge and passion. As he settled into his seat, he noticed that the room was filled with an air of anticipation.
Dr. Nakano entered the room, her usual brisk pace accompanied by a stack of neatly arranged folders. After the usual roll call the class begin.
Dr. Nakano (confidently): “Good morning, class. Today, we’ll begin our unit on chemical reactions. I hope you’ve all reviewed the periodic table, because you’ll need it.”
She turned to the whiteboard and began writing equations with quick, precise movements.
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Dr. Nakano (explaining): “A chemical reaction occurs when substances, known as reactants, transform into new substances, known as products. Can anyone tell me what the law of conservation of mass states?”
The room was silent for a moment with students trying to not make eye contact with their teacher. A few seconds later, a hand went up. It was Elena, her voice calm and steady.
Elena (clearly): “The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products.”
Dr. Nakano (nodding): “Excellent, Elena. Exactly right. Remember, this principle is the foundation of all chemical equations. Let’s take a look at an example.”
She wrote an equation on the board: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
Dr. Nakano (continuing): “Here, hydrogen and oxygen gases react to form water. Notice how the number of hydrogen and oxygen atoms are the same on both sides of the equation. Balancing equations ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld.”
Htet watched with inspiration as Dr. Nakano guided the class through another example and a few more chemical equations. He scribbled notes furiously, determined to keep up. Science had always intrigued him, but this level of detailed explanation was new, challenging and inspiring enough to make him feel that the lectures back in his homeland wasn't challenging enough.
As the class progressed, Dr. Nakano assigned them to small groups for a hands-on experiment. Htet found himself grouped with Elena and a boy named Daiki, who seemed more interested in doodling in his notebook rather than participating.
Elena (calmly, to Htet): “We’re testing how different acids react with metals. Let’s start with hydrochloric acid and zinc. The reaction should release hydrogen gas.”
Htet nodded, following her instructions as they carefully measured and mixed the chemicals. When the reaction began, tiny bubbles formed, and a faint hissing sound filled the air.
Htet (curiously): “Is that the hydrogen gas?”
Elena (nodding): “Yes. It’s a single displacement reaction. The zinc replaces the hydrogen in the acid, forming zinc chloride and releasing hydrogen gas.”
The seemingly quiet boy busy with his doodling suddenly spoke up.
Daiki (absentmindedly): “Cool. So it’s like chemistry magic.”
Elena chuckled softly, and Htet couldn’t help but smile.
There was something captivating about the way she explained things, clear, precise, and always with a touch of warmth.
—
Scene: Break Time
After class, Htet found himself walking to the courtyard with Hana and Elena. Liam joined them halfway, balancing a tray of snacks precariously in one hand.
Liam (grinning): “Guess what? Htet failed to blow up the science lab. That’s a win.”
Hana (laughing): “It was close. It wasn't htet but I saw Daiki playing with the burner again. Got me eagerly praying at that moment.”
Elena (amused): “He’s lucky Dr. Nakano didn’t catch him. She would’ve had him writing lab rules for hours.”
They found a spot under the shade of a large tree and settled down. The courtyard buzzed with life. Students laughing, chatting, and exchanging stories from their classes.
Htet (looking around): “This place is really starting to grow on me”
Hana (grinning): “Told you it would. Mizuhara has a way of growing on people.”
Elena (softly): “It’s a good place. Different from home, but good in its own way.”
Her words carried a quiet sincerity, and for a moment, Htet wondered what her life in Spain had been like. He didn’t ask, though, it didn’t feel like the right time.
—
Class Scene: Music Period
The last class of the day is music with Ms. Watanabe. The room was filled with instruments of all shapes and sizes, and a grand piano stood in the corner.
Ms. Watanabe (cheerfully): “Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re going to explore rhythm and melody. Fun little things in life. Let’s start with something simple.”
She handed out sheet music and began clapping a rhythm for the class to follow. The students clapped along, some in perfect sync, others struggling to keep up or even read the music sheet. Htet was somewhere in the middle.
Ms. Watanabe (encouraging): “Don’t worry if you’re not perfect. Music is about expression, not perfection.”
As the lesson progressed, Ms. Watanabe introduced a piece of classical music: Beethoven’s Für Elise. She played a few notes on the piano, her fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys.
Ms. Watanabe (explaining): “This piece is a perfect example of how a simple melody can evoke deep emotions. Music isn’t just about the notes, it’s about the story they tell.”
Htet found himself mesmerized by the music. He enjoyed the moment. There was something soothing about the way the notes flowed, each one carrying a hint of melancholy and hope.
---
As the day came to an end, Htet walked back to his dorm with a sense of accomplishment. He was learning, growing, and slowly finding his place in this new world. The connections he is forming with Hana, Liam, Elena, and even his teachers, were beginning to feel like the foundation of something meaningful.
And though he didn’t know what the future held, for the first time in a long time, he felt ready to face it.
—(End of Chapter 5)---