Revealing silences

Final exams

The atmosphere at school was electric, charged with nervousness and excitement. Final exams had finally arrived, marking the end of their high school journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Emma, Liam, Sophia, and Aiden had worked hard for this moment, but the pressure was palpable.

On the morning of the first exam, Emma found herself in the classroom, her heart pounding. She glanced around and saw Liam, focused and slightly pale; Aiden, nervously playing with his pen; and Sophia, who seemed serene despite everything. "It's going to be okay," Emma whispered to herself, trying to convince herself. The supervisor came in and handed out the exam sheets. The first words on the page seemed blurry to Emma, but she took a deep breath and concentrated. The hours passed, each question bringing her one step closer to the end.

During the break between exams, the four friends met under their usual tree in the schoolyard. "How did it go for you?" Liam asked, trying to mask his anxiety. "Not too bad," Sophia replied. "I think I handled the math questions well. What about you?" Emma nodded. "It was difficult, but manageable. I'm happy with my answers in literature." Aiden, looking a little more relaxed, added, "I struggled with a few questions, but overall, I think it went well. We've all worked hard for this."

Liam took a deep breath. "That's right. And no matter the results, we gave our best." The following days were a repeat of that first day: mornings of intense stress followed by afternoons spent reviewing together and supporting each other. Each evening, they exchanged messages of encouragement and comfort, strengthening their friendship in the face of pressure. The last day of exams finally arrived, bringing with it a mixture of relief and exhaustion. After their final ordeal, they decided to meet in the park where they had often shared their worries and dreams.

Sitting in a circle on the grass, they let out a collective sigh of relief. "We did it," Emma said with a beaming smile. "We've completed our final exams." "I can't believe it's over," Liam added. "It's like a huge weight has just been lifted off my shoulders." Sophia nodded. "We've been through so much together this year. It's amazing how far we've come." Aiden, always pragmatic, added, "No matter the results, we've proven that we can overcome any obstacle. And that's what matters most."

"So, let's talk about what's next," Emma offered. "Where did you apply for college?"

Liam spoke first. "I applied to several schools, but I'm a bit undecided. My first choice was the University of California, Berkeley, for their sports management program. But because of my anxiety attacks, I'm not so sure anymore. I also applied to universities with strong biology programs. I think that might be a more stable option for me." Sophia smiled. "Berkeley and biology programs? Those are both great choices, Liam. You'll find the path that suits you best." Emma looked at Liam curiously. "Liam, how will your father react if you decide to quit sports for biology?"

Liam sighed slightly, his thoughts turning to his father's expectations. "Well, my father sees sports as a continuation of his own unfinished dream. He wants to live out his ambitions through me, but I know he just wants me to succeed, no matter what I choose." Emma nodded understandingly. "It's difficult to juggle your own aspirations and those of others, especially when it comes to parents. But it's important that you follow your own path." Liam smiled slightly, appreciating the support of his friends. "Yes, exactly. I think I need to explain to him why I'm so passionate about biology and how it could also be a path to success for me." Emma put a comforting hand on Liam's shoulder. "You're right. Follow your heart, Liam. Your parents want your happiness above all."

Emma nodded, impressed. "That's great, Liam. I applied to several universities with strong literature programs. My top choice is Yale. Their literature program is amazing, and I've always wanted to go there."

Aiden, who had been silent until then, took a deep breath. "I'm not quite sure what I want to do. Music is my passion, but with my OCD, I know it could be complicated. I've applied to a few schools with solid music programs, but I haven't made a firm decision yet." Sophia, looking gently at Aiden, said, "Aiden, the field of music is so vast. You still have time to explore and find your way. Your talents are undeniable, and I'm sure you'll find a program that matches your aspirations and offers a supportive environment for managing your OCD."

Aiden smiled slightly, acknowledging Sophia's support. "Thank you, Sophia. It's reassuring to hear you say that. I just need to take a step back and think seriously about what I really want." Emma, enthusiastic, added, "Exactly! You've already taken a huge step by applying to these schools. Take your time to choose what suits you best."

The friends looked at each other, realizing how diverse and ambitious their dreams were. They knew that the coming months would be full of challenges, but they were ready to face them together. Sophia looked at her friends with a sigh. "I applied to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), but my parents would like me to pursue something other than drawing. They think it doesn't help me enough with my bipolar disorder."

Emma frowned, instinctively disagreeing with this opinion. "Sophia, your art is an expression of who you are. It's a part of yourself that you should never give up because of other people's expectations."

Liam nodded vigorously. "Exactly! You are an amazing artist. Your drawing is a form of self-expression and a source of healing. Your parents should recognize that." Sophia smiled slightly, touched by the unwavering support of her friends. "Thank you, guys. It's comforting to hear you say that. I know my art is important to me, but sometimes I feel caught between my passions and what my parents want for me." Aiden, looking at Sophia with empathy, added, "Sophia, you must follow what makes you happy and balanced. Your parents want what's best for you, but they can't fully understand the positive impact your art has on you."

Sophia felt supported and strengthened by her friends' words. "You're right. I'm going to keep doing what I love, no matter what my parents say. My art is an essential part of my life and my fight against bipolar disorder." "No matter where we end up," Liam said, "we have to remember that we've overcome so much together. We have each other's strength and support." "Exactly," Emma added. "And we must promise to stay in touch, no matter where life takes us." "To us," Liam said, raising a bottle of water as if to toast. "To our friendship and our future." "To us," Sophia and Aiden repeated, smiling.

They spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, laughing, and reminiscing about the highlights of their last year of high school. Each of them felt a new determination growing within them, a confidence reinforced by the trials they had overcome together. As the sun was setting, Emma spoke up. "I just want to say that I'm really proud of us. We all have our personal struggles, but we faced them together and succeeded." The four friends left that evening with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for what the future held in store for them. The exams were behind them, and a new chapter filled with endless possibilities was opening up before them. In this moment of transition, they knew they could face whatever came their way because their friendship was their anchor, their unwavering strength in the storms of life.