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A few days had passed by after the mini vacation with her friends and Kali is now standing outside the school chairwoman's office. The school chairwoman and her department's head is the same person.
With a white envelope on one hand, Kali knocked on the heavy double-doors.
"Come in," a feminine voice could be heard from the other side.
She pushed the doors open and immediately went inside. A young looking middle-aged lady greeted Kali as soon as she stepped inside.
"Well, this is a surprise. What brings you into my office, Ms. Aphelion?"
Kali gave a small smile as she stepped forward, "Good day, Mrs. Malfatto. I... came in to hand this." She placed the white envelope in her hand on the wide wooden table.
"A withdrawal letter?" Mrs. Malfatto roughly read through the contents of the letter, her eyes darted to the young woman in front of her as she was confused.
"Yes... I'd like to withdraw from the scholarship program."
The older woman furrowed her eyebrows, deep in thought as to why a very promising student of her is wanting to pull out from the program.
"I'm afraid I don't quite follow your intention of wanting to withdraw, dear. Why would you back out from a full scholarship? All the more when your internship is just a few months away?"
Kali fidgeted with her fingers as she heard the older woman's words.
"I plan to quit school... it's a personal matter."
Mrs. Malfatto nodded her head, understanding dawned on upon her. She could see the pain in the eyes of the young woman as she tried to give her a small smile.
If her student withdraws from the program, then there's really nothing she nor the school could do about it. It's the student's decision.
"I see," Mrs. Malfatto said as she slipped back the papers inside the white envelope.
"I'd hate to see a stellar student like you go, but if it's for the best then I hope you'll fare well in your future journey and endeavors," Mrs. Malfatto continued and smile kindly at Kali to which she returned.
Kali couldn't help but feel relief washing over her entire being. After hearing the older woman's words, she knew she'd need it.
"Well, I just came here to hand in the letter. I'll be on my way then," she spoke and walked towards the door. But before her hand could touch the door handle, the older woman spoke once again, "How..."
This urged Kali to look back.
"How are you and my son...?" the older woman hesitantly asked. Her son never bother to update her about the things that goes on in his life. But as her mother, she had learned to gather information about him or else she'd worry.
Even if she knew her son would be enrage once he knows about her butting into his business, she couldn't care less. A mother's got to do what a mother's got to do, after all.
"Chand and I broke up a few months ago," Kali confirmed, her heart thudding in nervousness.
But the older woman only sigh, "That's too bad. I really like you a lot for my son and I was hoping I'd see you more with him in the future."
I'd love that too, she thought.
Kali gave a small smile as her words made her heart clench.
"I'm sure Chand will be able to find someone great. And I'm sure that you'll like her too," Kali answered. The older woman only nodded and felt a pang of regret for her son. How could his son let go of such a gem?
"Well, then. I'll be off, Mrs. Malfatto. Thank you for your time," Kali soon exited the room with a smile on her face, a smile that didn't quite reach her heart.
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✏️ note:
Choi Ji Woo as Mrs. Malfatto
