SAN JUNIPER is a happy place, full of vibrant colors that were missing from my life, a life that never gave me a second chance and full of regrets. I wonder how he knows everything about me, my dreams, my aspirations, and my regrets. My biggest regret is my mother. Her scandal with our bio teacher resulted in me being the center of rumors and when she had a kid with him, it progressed to bullying. I was invisible to others, I was fine being that. I got out of my trace when I heard commotion outside the bathroom, I was surprised because it was an unused bathroom in section H wing which was mostly used for indoor sports. Section H wing is empty most of the time and most of the student use it as quite place to study and do other activities.
When I went outside, I saw him fighting with his best friend, the popular duo who were best at studies, sports and each and everything, seems like there was trouble in paradise. His friend must be very upset with the fact that he is going away. But fighting like this it seems little bit stupid. I try to go closer to listen to their argument but kicked an empty trash can by mistake which made them stop in between their fight.
His friend looked at me with daggers in his eyes and went away. He just looked at me with those empty eyes and after a few minutes of silence asked me "Did you finish the book" I asked sheepishly "Not yet, do you want it back?" he answered quickly with a small smile on his face"just finish it so you can decide as soon possible" and he left.
Once again I was left alone, it felt empty now, but I had a book with me so I kept on reading. As I delved deeper into the book, San Juniper revealed itself to be a world unlike any other. San Juniper, with its vibrant colors and whispering forests, seemed to whisper secrets of its own. Secrets of a life unfettered by regret, of dreams unfurling like wildflowers. I felt an ache in my chest, a longing to leave the shadows behind and bask in the warmth of this mystical place.
The popular boy's words echoed in my mind: "It's my happy place." But how did he know it could be mine too? Did he sense the depth of my sorrow, the weight of my regrets? Or was San Juniper a mirror, reflecting our shared desires for escape, for redemption?I turned the page, and a new illustration revealed itself – a girl with eyes like mine, standing at the edge of a cliff, her arms outstretched. She was stepping into the unknown, leaving the darkness behind. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Was this me? Was this my second chance?
