Revealing silences

Dreams and Realities

The days passed slowly after the final exams, filled with nervous anticipation as Emma, Liam, Sophia, and Aiden eagerly awaited their results. Each of them had done their best during the exams, but uncertainty still lingered.

Finally, the day of the results arrived. The four friends gathered under their familiar tree in the schoolyard, trying to hide their nervousness behind faint smiles. "I hate this waiting," Liam whispered, fiddling nervously with his pen. Sophia smiled softly. "It's going to be fine, Liam. We've all worked hard for this." Emma, glancing impatiently at her phone, suddenly exclaimed, "I got it! I did it!" Liam and Aiden exchanged a quick glance before checking their own results. "Me too! I made it!"

Sophia, who had maintained her usual calm, smiled widely when she saw the positive results of her friends. "Congratulations, everyone! I'm sure I did well too." A few moments later, Sophia received the long-awaited confirmation on her phone. "We all made it!" she cried, her voice a mixture of relief and joy. The friends got up and hugged each other, sharing a moment of happiness and collective relief under the tree that had witnessed so many of their shared moments. "I knew we could do it," Liam said with a beaming smile.

Emma nodded. "It was a tough year, but we overcame it together." Aiden added, "It's amazing to see that our hard work has paid off." Sophia looked at her friends gratefully. "Thank you for being there for me throughout the year. I couldn't have done it without you." They shook hands, recognizing that this success was not just the result of their individual efforts but also of their mutual support along the way.

That evening, they met again in the park to celebrate their success. Sitting on the fresh grass, they raised their glasses of water in a toast. "To the four of us, and to all our future successes," Emma offered, smiling broadly. "To the friendship that has carried us through the tough times," Liam added. Sophia and Aiden nodded in approval, a glimmer of pride and gratitude in their eyes.

They spent the rest of the evening laughing, reminiscing about their favorite moments of the year, and dreaming of the adventures to come at university. Together, they had reached an important milestone in their lives, and their friendship remained their greatest strength.

The days following their exam results were filled with anxious waiting for Emma, Liam, Sophia, and Aiden. Each had applied to several universities and schools, and now they were eagerly awaiting the responses that would shape their futures. Finally, the acceptance letters began to arrive. One sunny afternoon, Emma received a thick envelope with the Yale logo. With trembling hands, she opened the letter and read the words she had hoped for so much: "Congratulations, you have been accepted to Yale University." Emma couldn't contain a cry of joy. She immediately called her friends to share the good news. "I'm going to Yale!" she exclaimed, excitement evident in her voice.

A few days later, Liam received several acceptance letters from different universities. "I've been accepted to the University of California, Berkeley for the biology program," he announced proudly when they all gathered under the tree in the schoolyard. Sophia, with a nervous smile, shared her own success. "I've been accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago," she said softly, holding tightly to the envelope containing her admission confirmation.

Aiden, who had waited a little longer for his results, received positive news from schools with strong music programs. "I've been accepted to Juilliard!" he announced, both surprised and delighted by the news. The friends embraced in a collective hug, sharing their mutual joy and pride. They knew this moment marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives, where they could pursue their passions and dreams through their educational choices. "It's amazing how we've all managed to follow our unique paths," Sophia said, a wide smile lighting up her face.

"We've worked so hard for this," Liam added, looking at his friends with admiration. Emma nodded with a radiant smile. "I'm so grateful to have you as friends. We've overcome so many obstacles together, and now we can look to the future with confidence." Aiden raised his glass of water as if to make a toast. "To the four of us, and to all the incredible opportunities that await us."

Liam was waiting anxiously outside his house, firmly holding the envelope containing the acceptance letter from the University of California, Berkeley, for the biology program. He knew this moment would be decisive, not only for his future but also for his relationship with his father.

When his father opened the door, Liam dove straight in. "Dad, I need to talk to you. I've been accepted to Berkeley to study biology." His father's face hardened, a mixture of worry and disappointment crossing his features. "Biology? Liam, you promised you would follow in my footsteps in sports. That's where our family pride lies."

Liam swallowed hard, aware of his father's disappointment. "I know, Dad, but I'm really interested in biology. I want to study something I'm passionate about." His father shook his head firmly. "You don't understand, Liam. Sports is our legacy, our path to success. Biology... it's not going to get you anywhere." Liam felt his heart tighten but knew he had to defend his choice. "I just want to do something that makes me happy, Dad. I worked hard for this."

His father sighed, seeming to calm down slightly. "Listen, Liam, I just want the best for you. If you really think this is what you want, then I guess I'll have to accept it." Liam felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thank you, Dad. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this is important to me."

His father nodded, his expression a mix of reluctance and understanding. "Just make me a promise, Liam. Do the best you can at what you choose. Be proud of your decision." Liam smiled slightly, grateful for this opening from his father. "I promise, Dad. I'll work hard and won't disappoint you."

They looked at each other for a moment, a mix of emotions filling the air between them. Finally, his father reached out and squeezed Liam's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Liam. It doesn't matter what you choose, as long as you're happy." Liam felt tears welling up in his eyes, moved by his father's support and acceptance. "Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me."

They entered the house together, ready to discuss Liam's future and the possibilities awaiting him at Berkeley in more depth. Sophia was sitting at the kitchen table, a letter in her hand. Her parents were sitting opposite her, their eyes fixed on her nervous face. "I have something to tell you," she began softly. "I've been accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago." Her parents' eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and concern passing in their glances. Her mother gently took the letter from Sophia's trembling hands and quickly read through it.

"This is big news, Sophia," her father said, his voice trying to mask his concern. "But, you know... with your bipolar disorder, we're worried that this might pose challenges for you." Sophia looked down for a moment, feeling the weight of their concerns. "I understand, Mom, Dad. I'm aware of my challenges, but art is my passion. It's what allows me to express myself and feel good."

Her mother laid a comforting hand on hers. "We know that, dear. But promise us you'll take care of yourself. Don't get so absorbed in your work that you forget to take care of yourself."

Sophia nodded slowly, tears welling in her eyes. "I promise, Mom. I'll be careful and follow my treatments. I want to be successful, but I also want to stay healthy." Her father sighed softly, seeming to come to terms with the idea. "All right, Sophia. If this is what you really want, we'll support you. We just want you to be happy and healthy."

A smile of relief spread across Sophia's face. "Thank you, Dad, Mom. You don't know how much this means to me." They stood up and hugged each other in a warm embrace, marking a moment of mutual understanding and support. "You are our daughter, Sophia. We will always be there for you," her mother whispered tenderly. Sophia felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew the path to college would be fraught with difficulties, but she was grateful for the unconditional support of her parents, even in her boldest choices.