Normal Dorm

Anna pushed the door open and stepped into her new room. It was simple and unassuming, just as she had hoped. The walls were a neutral beige, with a small framed painting of a mountain range hanging above a twin bed. The bed itself was covered with a plain white duvet and a single pillow. A sturdy wooden desk sat beneath the window, paired with a basic chair, and a tall wardrobe occupied the corner near the door. The flooring was clean, smooth laminate, and a compact bedside table held a small lamp with a cream-colored shade.

The space felt quiet and personal, even if it lacked much character. Anna let out a slow breath, glad for the sense of normalcy after such a whirlwind day. She closed the door behind her, setting her bag on the bed.

With a faint smile, Anna began to unpack. She placed her folded clothes into the wardrobe, arranging them neatly on the shelves inside. Her toiletries went into the small drawer of the bedside table, alongside a book she’d brought for comfort reading. She paused when she pulled out a framed photo of her family from the bottom of her bag. She placed it carefully on the desk, angling it just right so it faced her bed.

After zipping up the now-empty bag, Anna sat on the edge of the bed, taking a moment to absorb her surroundings. The mattress was firmer than she expected, but the room felt safe and private—a place she could retreat to when the world of Obasaan felt too overwhelming.

Her tablet chimed softly from the desk. She reached for it, glancing at the notification. It was a reminder of her meeting with Ethan later, but she still had plenty of time before then. Anna placed the tablet back down and stood, smoothing her hands over her pants as she thought about what to do next.

Her curiosity about the colony tugged at her. Maybe she could take a walk around Coral Hall to familiarize herself with the building, or explore the outdoor courtyard she had glimpsed earlier. Or perhaps she’d venture farther, seeing what other parts of Obasaan had to offer.

With a deep breath, Anna grabbed a light jacket from the wardrobe and slipped it on. She hesitated for a moment at the door, her hand resting on the knob, then pulled it open and stepped into the hallway, ready to see where the day might take her.