The New Student

It was Monday morning, and the English class at the language school was almost full. A new student came in and hesitated at the door. She was tall, with long black hair, and she held her notebook against her chest as if it could protect her. The teacher smiled and said, “Welcome! Why don’t you tell us your name?”

“My name is Hana,” she said in a quiet voice. “And where are you from?” the teacher asked. “I come from Japan, but I’ve been living in Leeds for a few months.” A few students turned round to listen, and Hana felt her cheeks go red.

A boy at the next desk leaned over and whispered, “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” “I’m twenty-five,” Hana replied. “What about you?” “Twenty-two. I’m Tom.” They looked at each other and both burst out laughing, which made the room feel less serious.

“Can you tell us why you’re studying English?” the teacher went on. “I’d like to work in a hotel one day,” Hana explained, “so I need to speak with the guests.” Then Tom asked, “Who’s your favourite singer?” Hana thought for a long moment. “That’s a surprisingly hard question,” she admitted.

During the break they bought coffee from the machine in the corridor. “When does the next lesson start?” Hana asked. “At ten past eleven,” said Tom. “And what time is it now?” “Five to eleven.” Hana smiled. She had come to the school without knowing anyone, but on her very first day she had already made a friend.