School Essentials

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Jayn stood in the uniform shop, surrounded by rows of crisp white tops and dark green skirts. Her mother was busy sorting through the sizes, her eyes scanning the racks with a confused gaze. Jayn's eyes landed on the uniform on display - a crisp white blouse, a dark green tie, a dark green skirt that fell just above the knee, and a dark green blazer with the school crest emblazoned on the pocket for formal occasions.

"Mom, can I ask you something?" Jayn ventured, tugging on her mother's sleeve.

"What is it, Jayn?" her mother replied, looking at her with a blank expression.

"What's the difference between geography and history?" Jayn asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Her mother's face went blank. "Uh... I don't know, Jayn. I didn't go to secondary school, remember?"

Jayn nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had been hoping for some guidance, but her mother was just as lost as she was.

As they left the uniform shop, Jayn's mother pulled out a list from her bag. "Okay, let's see... for English, you need 'Windows to the World', for math, it's 'Mathematics Today'...".

Jayn's eyes scanned the list, her head spinning. She had no idea what any of these subjects were about. Her mother handed her the uniform, and Jayn felt a sense of trepidation as she took it from her. The blazer felt heavy with expectation, the crest seeming to stare at her like a challenge.

They spent the next few hours shopping for books and supplies, Jayn's anxiety growing with each new purchase. She knew her mother expected her to do well, but she had no idea how to help her.

As they walked home, Jayn's mind raced with worries. What if she failed? What if she didn't make any friends? The uniform felt like a costume, a disguise that couldn't hide her insecurities.

"Mom?" Jayn ventured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What is it, Jayn?" her mother replied, her tone uncertain.

"What if I don't do well in school?" Jayn asked, her heart pounding in her chest.

Her mother's expression turned cold as she stared at Jayn. "You must try harder then. I'll accept nothing lesser than As."

Jayn felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes stinging with tears. She knew she was on her own, navigating the unknown world of secondary school.

As they approached their apartment, Jayn's heart felt heavy with anxiety and apprehension. She knew her mother wanted the best for her, but she also knew her mother didn't have the tools to help her succeed. The uniform felt like a symbol of that dread, a reminder that she was stepping into the unknown.

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