The New Student

It is Monday morning, and the English class is almost full. A new student comes in. She is tall, with long black hair, and she looks a little nervous. The teacher smiles and says, “Welcome! Could you tell us your name?”

“My name is Hana,” she says quietly. “Where are you from?” the teacher asks. “I’m from Japan, but I’ve lived in Leeds since March.” Some students turn round to listen.

A boy at the next desk leans over. “How old are you, if you don’t mind?” “I’m twenty-five,” Hana says. “And you?” “I’m twenty-two. My name’s Tom.” They both start to laugh, and Hana feels a little better.

“Why are you studying English?” the teacher asks. “I’d like to work in a hotel one day,” Hana answers. Then Tom asks, “Who’s your favourite singer?” Hana thinks for a long time. “That’s a really hard question!” she says.

At the break, they get a coffee from the machine. “When’s the next lesson?” Hana asks. “At ten past eleven,” says Tom. “What time is it now?” “It’s five to eleven.” Hana smiles. On her first day, she already has a friend.