Then she starts speaking in a serious tone, causing everyone to stop talking immediately. She begins, "Students, I have something very important to announce..."

As she speaks, all the girls, including myself, exchange glances. We already know and dread what's coming. Earlier, before the prayer started, Lyndsey, whose father has many connections within the school, told us some alarming news: our school building is going to undergo reconstruction and will be handed over to university students. At the time, none of us wanted to believe her, dismissing it as a rumor.

But now, as our class teacher begins her announcement, it all comes rushing back. We lower our faces and brace ourselves for the bad news. When we turn back to our teacher, we see the boys looking puzzled and curious while our teacher wears a look of resigned disappointment.

One of the girls raises her hand, and the teacher nods, allowing her to speak. Amelia and I, sitting on the first bench, turn around to see who it is. The girl's voice wavers as she asks, "Ma'am, is it true? What we heard... is it really going to happen?"

The boys, even more confused now, start whispering among themselves. Alexander's friend leans over and whispers, "What's going on? Do you have any idea?"

Alexander elbows him lightly, whispering back, "How would I know? Just listen."

I catch Alexander's eye, and he looks at me with a "What-the-hell-is-going-on?" expression. I shrug and mouth, "Have patience." He groans softly but turns his attention back to the teacher.

Our teacher takes a deep breath before confirming our fears. "Yes, it's true. We're going to shift to another premises. This building is going under construction, and we will not be able to return anytime soon."

A collective sigh of disappointment escapes from all the girls. The boys, seeing our reactions, start demanding answers. Ian, usually too shy to speak up, finally asks, "Ma'am, what are we talking about?"

Our teacher explains, "Boys, we will be moving to a different building on the school grounds. This one is going under construction, and we'll have to share our new space with another school."

The boys look as if they've been hit with a ton of bricks. The girls, meanwhile, are silently fuming, knowing she didn't mention the part about the building being given to university students. But we hold our tongues.

A few minutes of chaos ensue, with everyone talking at once. "That's unfair!" "Why do we have to share the floor with them?" The noise level rises, and then suddenly, we notice the principal standing outside the door. Her presence quickly silences the room.

She steps in, and we all stand to greet her. "Good morning, ma'am," we chorus.
"Good morning, students. I know this news is a shock. This is not what any of us wanted, but it's necessary. We have to make the best of it. I expect cooperation and no complaints. Understood?"

A reluctant but unified "Yes, ma'am" echoes around the room. I feel a pang of guilt, knowing it's immature to blame our teachers for something beyond their control.

Our principal continues, "We will show you the new building shortly. Follow your class teacher in an orderly manner."

She turns to our teacher. "Make sure everyone reaches there in ten minutes, and maintain discipline."

"Yes, ma'am," our teacher responds.

We line up outside the classroom, hands behind our backs. Amelia and I, being on the first bench, are among the last to join the line. As we wait, I notice the other classes filing out too, each with the same sense of resignation.

We follow our teacher across the large school grounds to the new building. It takes only five minutes, but it feels much longer. This new building, which we will share with another school, is smaller and less familiar, but I try to keep an open mind.

When we reach the third floor, we're directed to room 307, our new classroom. I step inside with Amelia. The room is smaller, but it's airy and filled with light. I turn to Amelia and say, "I don't know why, but I feel like great things are going to happen here."

From behind, I hear Alexander agree. "I agree."

I turn to see him looking at me with an intensity I can't quite decipher. It disappears almost as soon as I notice it, leaving me curious.

I give Amelia a look that says, "He heard everything," and she stifles a giggle. Thank goodness we weren't talking about anything too personal. We mingle with our classmates, chatting about the change. I decide I'll start calling Alexander "Xander" from now on, a more personal touch that feels right after the day he took care of me when I was sick.

As we head back to our original classroom for the last time, I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. This room holds so many memories. We receive our schedules, instructions for the week, and our roll numbers. The teacher asks us to read the first chapter of our English book for the next class.

Amelia and I whisper back and forth, making plans and sharing our thoughts on the new classroom. I tell her, "I have a strong feeling that big things are going to happen soon."
She nods in agreement. "Let the journey begin," I say, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The rest of the day passes in a blur. As I walk out of school, I look back one last time, ready to face whatever comes next.
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