Breaking Her Walls

░Six░

SOPHIA

AGE: 21

It took six whole months for my parents to understand that I was quite serious about going to China. Then another three months were wasted due to the visa and university application.

When the visa finally came, I wasted no time and flew straight to Shanghai. It felt like I was in a dream; the kind that I never wanted to wake up from.

I noticed the curious stares and unnecessary attention I was getting. I wondered whether they would think me a terrorist if I was dressed up in Islamic clothing.

But I am not. I'm wearing a pair of Adidas sweatpants and a sweatshirt, which is at least three sizes bigger on me since I got it from the men's section. And of course I've paired it all up with some Asics.

...

I step out of the airport doors, strolling my trolley along the pavement. My backpack slung over my shoulders.

It is a cold gray afternoon with a dull sky and threatening rain. The breathtaking scenery captivates me.

A man startles me by stepping close to me. He says something in Mandarin and I stand there having caught only a few words.

Uh oh.

Guess I really can't communicate that well. Sure, I know a few words, which by the way I've learned from watching too many Chinese TV shows but I really am freaking out.

I rummage frantically in my backpack for my phone. Finally taking it out I give the impatient man an apologetic smile and open the translator app.

We exchange a few words through it and when both he and I understand each other, I put my luggage into his taxi and get into the back seat.

When the car stops outside my dorm, I pay him his fare, take ahold of my belongings and saunter down the pavement. I check my room number and trudge up the stairs with two heavy suitcases.

The whole place reeks of cigarettes and alcohol. I crinkle my nose.

Finally spotting room 111, I knock and pray to God that my roommate doesn't drink. That would be awful.

The door flies open, breaking me out of my reverie.

A scrawny girl, who looks right about my age, smiles at me in a friendly manner. Her big bright eyes crinkling at the corners.

She eyes me up and down. Then flashes me her white teeth. "You must be the new girl. I'm Anna. Come inside, please."

I sigh in relief. At least now I can communicate with someone.

I nod and step inside. Plopping myself onto the sofa, I introduce myself to her and she talks about all the things I should expect at the university.

I hum in response.

I'm overwhelmed. I needed some time alone. Which was partially the reason I wanted to come to China. Far, far away from the people I know.

But the dawning realisation of how hard I would have to train and study makes me so upset. And gosh, what if I don't even like it.

With a sour mood, I toss and turn in my bed. Sleep never coming to me.