Nena woke up early in the morning, feeling a quiet excitement for the trip. The sunlight had just begun to touch her window as she quickly got out of bed.
She went downstairs and saw her mother in the kitchen. Her mother was about to prepare lunch but hadn't started yet—it was still very early.
Her mother looked at her in surprise.
"You woke up early today?" she said softly.
Nena usually woke up late and often rushed to school, so this was unusual.
Nena smiled a little and started getting ready. She opened her bag and began packing carefully—making sure she had everything she needed for the beach: a small towel, an extra set of clothes, snacks, a water bottle, and a hat to protect her from the sun.
She looked focused… but also excited.
Her mother quietly watched her.
There was something different about Nena today.
After her father passed away, she had never shown this kind of excitement again. But now, seeing her like this—so full of energy—brought back old memories.
Memories of when Nena was little.
Back then, she used to go to the beach with her father. She would run across the sand, laughing, her eyes full of joy.
Her mother's heart felt warm… but also a little emotional.
She smiled softly, thinking,
"He would be happy to see her like this."
After finishing her packing, Nena walked toward the kitchen and asked,
"Mom, is breakfast ready?"
Her mother blinked, coming out of her thoughts.
"Ah—yes, yes! I'm making it right now," she said quickly.
After breakfast, Nena left for school.
The morning air felt fresh as she walked down the familiar road, but today everything felt a little more special.
When she reached the school gate, her friends were already there, waiting.
She walked up to them.
"But… where's the bus?" Nena asked.
Her friend replied,
"It will come in about 30 minutes."
Nena nodded.
Time passed slowly as more students arrived. Everyone was talking, laughing, and sharing snacks while waiting.
Soon, the teacher came and stood in front of them.
"Listen carefully," the teacher said seriously.
"You must behave properly. Don't go too far from the beach, don't swim alone, and always stay with your group or a teacher."
Some students nodded.
But Nena and her friends looked at each other.
"Why do we always have to stay with teachers?" one of her friends whispered.
"Yeah, we're not kids," another one said quietly.
Nena smiled and joined in,
"Maybe they think we'll get lost."
They all laughed softly.
After a while, the sound of a bus engine was heard.
"It's here!"
Everyone stood up quickly.
Excitement filled the air as students lined up and began getting into the bus one by one.
Nena held her bag tightly and stepped forward.
The trip to the beach had finally begun.