Final Story: Goodbye, 'A' High School

Chapter 1

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

18 April 2022

Today's a fine day: the bright sun is shining, the birds are chirping outside, and the leaves rustle in the gentle wind.

Now, you might say that I'm exaggerating. To an outsider, it's just a typical spring morning in Hanoi. But I suppose people are right when they say that love changes the way you see things. I'm sure it must be the same way for her, the girl who is sitting next to me.

Hương is playfully caressing my hand while I explain to her how to solve some difficult Mathematics problems. Then, she suddenly snuggles up against me as if to thank me for tutoring her.

"Ahem!"

Linh coughs, jolting us awake from our blissful state.

"You two lovebirds have no shame, do you? Time and place, I tell you. Time and place."

I take her hint and look around the library. Immediately I feel a chill down my spine. I can feel the jealousy and hatred other people are directing towards us. Linh's right. I try to tell Hương to stop flirting to be considerate towards the others.

The PA system suddenly sounds, interrupting our study session.

"Attention to all students and teachers, this is an announcement for an urgent assembly. Please head towards the gymnasium at once in an orderly manner. I repeat..."

"An urgent assembly"? What could be happening? Well, there goes my study date... I mean, study session with Hương.

With haste, the three of us leave the library along with countless other people. The hallways outside are crowded, leaving no room for us to manoeuvre through the horde and forcing us to walk at a moderate pace. I hold Hương's hand to ensure that she's not hurt or anything.

The gymnasium is full of people just like the walking streets during Tết holiday. Since the venue is enclosed, the noisy conversations reverberate throughout the building, making the place even more cacophonous than before. The teachers seem to have no idea why such an assembly was called at this time of the day either. Something important is going to be announced here, that must be sure. But what is it?

Finally, Ms Nga appears on stage, accompanied by her entourage from the Student Council and the Communist Youth. As she taps the microphone, the noisy feedback from the mic makes all of us cover our ears and turn the attention to her. The principal looks around before she eventually addresses us.

"Good morning students and teachers of 'A' High School. Today I stand here to deliver some extremely important news to you all."

Some of my schoolmates began whispering among themselves. I don't like where this is going.

"Owing to the hostile environment surrounding our school, followed by unfavourable events which have irreparably damaged our school's reputation, the school board has decided to shut the school down."

The students cannot contain their surprise and become rowdier and rowdier with each passing minute. The situation is rapidly deteriorating and order is breaking down at an alarming rate while the principal tries to calm us down.

"The school will be demolished at the end of this academic year, so current Grade 12 students will be the last batch to graduate from 'A' High School. Meanwhile, arrangements will be made for Grade 10 and Grade 11 students to transfer to another high school of choice in Hanoi. Quiet, please!"