Leaves scattered on the wind, blanketing the ground where they fell in a mix of bright yellows, crisp oranges, and glistening reds. Fall. It was my favorite season. It was the transition between the real world and the world that I had gently crafted with care.
The frost from the other night had incrusted each blade of grass in a crystal case, which gave off a satisfying crunch with each step I took. I inhaled the deep sense of peace as I ventured through the grassy campus.
Hanayu High School Dormitory, the calmest schooling facility in the world, was my haven in the world of power and darkness. The buildings were red brick covered in ivy. The school was built on rolling hills surrounded by dense woods. A small lake sat next to the school, and offered a scenic view every sunset and sunrise. The entire campus was picturesque, with impressive oak trees scattered here and there, worn but ever functional sidewalks and steps made out of cobble stone. This truly was my sanctuary.
I walked on toward the main office. My legs were, as always, immune to the cold air in my pleaded green and white plaid skirt. My green blazer was hidden underneath my wool pea coat. I rounded a building corner and the main office came into view. It was the same as always and held the same grace and picturesque posture as the rest of the campus buildings. I leisurely glided up the seven steps and opened the French glass doors. Warm air blasted me, and my upper thighs and face grew red. The sudden change in temperature caused my lungs to burn, and I was greeted by the secretary, as I made my way through the office toward the mail room.
I filed through useless and unimportant files and brochures, I soon found what I wanted, the class listing and dumped the rest of the sorted through mail in the recycle box. I ended up with two letters in my hand along with the class listing. I quietly left the office and sailed through the woods towards my rented house. This was a shortcut and trail used by the track team and mostly seniors and juniors. The trail cut through the woods east of the freshmen dorms and north of the lake. My black ballet flats were wet by the time I emerged from the trail into a field of frost covered tall grass. I made my way through the field, carefully on the look out for the occasional pot hole.
Soon I approached the asphalt paved road. I walked on the new concrete sidewalk, and head toward my house. My legs, now wet from the frost covered grass, burned with frost bite. My breath escaped in large puffs of warmed white smoke. I walked and adjusted my white knitted scarf, not even remotely caring about the time. Soon I came upon the "Raitohausu."
The white four-story town house stood in the shadows of tall oaks, and was surrounded by dying flower beds of daffodils. The house was a "living" relic, built in the 1900's. It had been empty since last spring, when the seniors living there had graduated and everyone else had been dismissed for summer break. It was almost a miracle that I had been able to secure a down payment of rent on the house. I, so far, was the only one living in the house, but I had also arrived three days ago, almost a week ahead of schedule.
I shivered and made my way up the wooden steps and dug my key from my coat pocket. Quickly I unlocked and pushed the door open.