C3 First Day, New Beginnings

The morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains of Sophia’s new apartment, casting a soft glow across the room. It was her first morning in the city, and her heart was a mix of excitement and nerves. Today marked the beginning of her journey as an assistant professor at one of the most prestigious colleges in town.

She had spent the better part of the night unpacking, organizing, and mentally preparing for the day. Sophia had always been diligent, and this new role was no exception. She had researched the institution, reviewed her syllabus, and even prepared icebreakers for her students. Yet, as the alarm chimed its soft melody, she couldn’t shake the slight flutter in her chest.

Stepping into the kitchen, she poured herself a cup of coffee, savoring the momentary calm. The apartment was still filled with boxes, but the essentials were in place. Her gaze wandered to the window, where the city was waking up. The view was breathtaking—skyscrapers rising above a sea of morning haze, with the faint hum of traffic in the distance.

As she sipped her coffee, her thoughts drifted to her enigmatic neighbor. Ethan Blake. There was something about him she couldn’t quite place—a mix of intensity and kindness that lingered in her mind. She shook her head, chiding herself for getting distracted. Today was about her and her career, nothing else.

By the time she left the apartment, she was dressed in a simple yet professional outfit: a navy blouse tucked into a pencil skirt, paired with low heels. She wanted to make a good first impression, but her style remained true to her practical nature.

As she locked her door, a voice startled her.

"Morning, Professor Lane."

She turned to see Ethan stepping out of his apartment, coffee in hand and dressed casually in jeans and a black t-shirt. Even in his relaxed attire, he looked effortlessly put-together.

"Good morning," she replied, her tone polite but warm.

"First day, I take it?" he asked, leaning slightly against the doorframe.

She nodded, clutching her bag a little tighter. "Yes. New city, new job—lots to take in."

He smiled, his gaze steady. "You’ll do great. You strike me as someone who’s always prepared."

Sophia laughed softly. "That obvious?"

"Just a hunch," he said, taking a sip of his coffee. "Good luck out there."

"Thanks," she said, offering a small smile before heading toward the elevator. As the doors closed behind her, she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of confidence from his words.

---

The college campus was buzzing with energy when Sophia arrived. Students hurried across the manicured lawns, clutching books and coffee cups, while faculty members chatted in groups. The architecture was a blend of classic and modern, with ivy-clad walls and glass-paneled buildings.

Sophia took a deep breath, reminding herself why she was here. This was her chance to make a difference, to inspire young minds, and to establish herself in her field.

Her first class was in one of the older buildings, a lecture hall with rows of wooden desks and a large chalkboard. As she stepped inside, a few students glanced up, curiosity flickering in their eyes.

"Good morning, everyone," she began, setting her bag down on the desk. "I’m Dr. Lane, your economics professor for this semester. Let’s start by getting to know each other."

She introduced herself briefly, sharing her academic journey and her love for economics. Then, she invited the students to share their names and one thing they hoped to gain from the course.

As the students spoke, Sophia felt her initial nerves fading. They were engaged, curious, and eager to learn—exactly the kind of audience she had hoped for. By the time the class ended, she felt a sense of accomplishment.

---

The rest of the day passed in a blur of lectures, faculty introductions, and administrative tasks. By the time she returned home, the sun was setting, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

As she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Ethan again, this time carrying a gym bag. He gave her a nod, his expression relaxed.

"How was the first day?" he asked, pausing in the hallway.

"Good," she said, smiling. "Busy, but good."

"Glad to hear it," he said, his voice warm. "If you ever need to unwind, there’s a great café down the block. Best coffee in the neighborhood."

"I’ll keep that in mind," she replied, her smile widening.

As she unlocked her door and stepped inside, she couldn’t help but feel a small sense of gratitude. New beginnings were always challenging, but somehow, the day had turned out better than she had expected.

And as she settled into her couch with a cup of tea, she found herself looking forward to whatever tomorrow might bring—including, perhaps, another unexpected encounter with her intriguing neighbor.