Petals of Sun

11

Coco awoke the next morning feeling refreshed, the warmth of her conversation with Mateo still lingering in her heart. Today was a day for taking steps—both toward her dreams and her evolving feelings. She had made a promise to herself, and now she needed to uphold it.

After breakfast, she made her way to the local community center, where she had been offered a scholarship program for her potential studies in the city. As she entered the bustling center, she could feel the energy around her—a mixture of ambition and hope.

“Coco!” a familiar voice called out. It was Sarah, her friend from school, who was also interested in the program.

“Hey, Sarah!” Coco replied, a smile spreading across her face. “Are you ready for the meeting?”

“More than ready! I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks!” Sarah exclaimed, her excitement infectious. “This could change everything for us.”

As they entered the meeting room, Coco felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The thought of studying in the city was exhilarating, but the reality of leaving her family weighed heavily on her mind.

The program coordinator began the meeting, outlining the application process and the various opportunities available. Coco listened intently, her heart racing with the possibilities. Yet, as the discussion progressed, she began to feel the familiar knots of doubt tightening in her stomach.

“What if I don’t make it?” she whispered to Sarah during a break. “What if I’m not good enough?”

Sarah turned to her, eyes wide. “Coco, you’re amazing! You’ve always been one of the top students in our class. You have every right to be here.”

“But what if I get accepted and have to leave my family behind?” Coco replied, frustration creeping into her voice. “What if I fail to support them?”

“Hey,” Sarah said, placing a reassuring hand on Coco’s shoulder. “You have to think about your future too. Your family wants you to succeed, and this is a big step toward that.”

Coco nodded but still felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. As the meeting resumed, she found it harder to concentrate, her thoughts drifting to Mateo. He had been such a source of support, but would he still be there if she left?

That afternoon, she met Mateo by the creek again, hoping to share her thoughts and feelings about the meeting. He greeted her with his usual enthusiasm, but Coco sensed a shift in the air.

“Hey, Coco! How was the meeting?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“It was good, but… I’m feeling a little overwhelmed,” she admitted, sitting beside him on their favorite patch of grass.

“What’s on your mind?” Mateo prompted gently.

“I’m excited about the opportunity, but I can’t shake this fear of leaving everything behind. What if I can’t handle it? What if I can’t support my family?”

Mateo listened intently, his expression serious. “You’re not alone in this, Coco. You’re strong, and you can handle whatever comes your way. But it’s okay to be scared. It means you care.”

“Do you really think I can do this?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“Absolutely. I believe in you, Coco. Just remember, it’s okay to ask for help along the way,” he replied, a hint of warmth in his eyes.

But even as he spoke, Coco felt a nagging doubt. Would she be able to manage everything if she took this step? Would the love and support of her family be enough to carry her through the challenges ahead?

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, a storm began to brew on the horizon. The clouds gathered ominously, mirroring the turmoil in her heart.

Suddenly, a commotion drew their attention. A group of local boys, known for causing trouble, approached the creek, their laughter ringing harshly in the air. Coco felt a familiar tension rise in her chest. They had always made her uncomfortable, and she knew Mateo felt the same way.

“Let’s ignore them,” Mateo said, glancing over at Coco, his expression shifting to concern.

But as the boys neared, one of them, a familiar face named Jason, called out, “Well, if it isn’t the perfect little student and her sidekick. What are you two doing here? Planning your escape to the city?”

Coco’s heart sank. Jason had always been a bully, taunting her and her friends for their ambitions. She felt Mateo stiffen beside her, his protective instincts kicking in.

“Leave us alone, Jason,” Mateo said, his voice firm.

“Why? Afraid she’ll forget about you when she becomes a big city girl?” Jason laughed, the other boys joining in with jeers.

Coco felt a flush of anger rise within her. “You don’t know anything about us,” she retorted, trying to stand her ground.

“Oh, but I do. You think you’re special just because you have some dreams? Newsflash: most of us are stuck here, and you’re just going to leave us behind,” Jason sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Enough!” Mateo interjected, stepping in front of Coco protectively. “You have no right to talk to her like that. She’s working hard for her future, and you should be supporting that, not tearing her down.”

Coco felt a rush of gratitude toward Mateo, but Jason’s words lingered in her mind like a bitter taste. The fear of leaving and the possibility of being judged weighed heavily on her heart.

“You think you’re so tough, Mateo? You’re just a wannabe hero,” Jason scoffed, but the conviction in Mateo’s voice had shaken the boys’ confidence.

With a huff, Jason turned away, leading the group off, but the damage was done. Coco felt the remnants of their taunts cling to her, amplifying her doubts about her choices.

“Are you okay?” Mateo asked, turning to her, concern etched on his face.

“I… I don’t know,” Coco admitted, her voice wavering. “I want to chase my dreams, but it feels like everyone is against me. What if they’re right? What if I fail?”

“Coco, you’re not failing,” Mateo said, his voice gentle but firm. “You’re brave for even considering this opportunity. Don’t let their words bring you down. You’re stronger than that.”

Coco took a deep breath, absorbing his words. But as she looked into Mateo’s eyes, she couldn’t shake the growing fear of the unknown. What if her dreams led her to a place where she lost everything she held dear?

The storm clouds rolled in closer, darkening the sky as if reflecting the turmoil within her. She needed to make a decision, but every choice felt intertwined with fear and uncertainty.

As they sat in silence, the first drops of rain began to fall, drumming softly against the surface of the water. Coco knew that a storm was brewing—not just in the skies, but in her heart as well.

“Let’s head back,” Mateo suggested, sensing her unease. “You shouldn’t be out here alone if the weather turns.”

As they walked back in silence, Coco felt the tension within her swell, battling between her dreams and her fears. The clouds loomed overhead, mirroring her thoughts: could she truly brave the storm ahead, or would she be swept away by the weight of doubt and responsibility?