“Anya! It is high time you start sorting your stuff. We are moving in a week,” Mum said over lunch.

It was a cold autumn day. Anya had just returned from school with a recommendation from her principal to apply to whichever school she pleased next. A glance at the window reminded her of how much she would miss this place: her garden, the crunch of autumn leaves under her feet.

The season of hot coffee and relaxed reading sessions by the fireplace was here. But before she could enjoy any of it came the news of her father’s transfer to another city. They would have to shift homes. She would have to leave her school, her friends, her life. At 12 years of age, Anya was far from ready for such a change, but old enough to understand that life happens. So they moved.

The new house was roomy and airy, and Mum’s instinct for interior decoration made everything cosy and bright in no time. Still, life felt unsettled.

“They are already halfway through the coursework in my classes,” Anya said while sitting with the family one evening.

“So get some help. I’ll be sure to drop by and ask your teachers to guide you properly,” Dad said. He was sure she would catch up with the schoolwork. She had always been a dedicated student.

“But I have no friends, and there’s no one I’ve really vibed with so far,” Anya continued.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine, little girl. Just reach out and relax,” Mum said softly.

But schoolwork was not the only thing on her mind. The move had felt like a complete life transformation. She had no friends, no club she was part of and everywhere she went, it seemed like the world was already in order — places filled, with no space left for her.

That night, as she went to bed and opened her notebook and wrote, “Oh God, please help me get through this. Please help me find my place in this chaotic new atmosphere.” She had always believed that prayer helped her through the toughest moments.

The next day, she made it a point to interact with as many people as she could. And sure enough, she met Saba, the quiet girl in class who read a lot and played basketball well.

“You should try out too,” Saba encouraged.

“But I’ve never played before,” Anya replied, still doubtful about whether she should even show up. Yet she knew she had to. Good things only come if you try for them.

Soon enough, Anya was playing for the school basketball team. Not only that, she joined the reading club with Saba and a few others. They discussed books and theories. Some girls even stayed after school to help her catch up with her lessons.

Anya had to give up some free time for extra learning and gather the courage to ask for help. But it all paid off. She slowly became part of this new world, growing and thriving like never before. The new place had brought challenges, but it also brought opportunities she never expected.

“You’ve started to like this place, haven’t you?” Mum asked as Anya got into the car with her, swimming pool membership forms in hand. “I have,” Anya said, glancing at the trees, now ready to welcome winter.

“And I think the place has started to like me too,” she added with a grin, realising that life will always keep changing, it all depends on how you choose to face it.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 10th, 2026