Snow Blooms The Perfect Rose

Winter dreams

Winter has gone. It was summer. Our place was still cooler than other parts of the country. It was the season of tourists. They always miss the beautiful winter.

After grandpa's death, Lisa was alone in her home, so she visited our house more than she used to. Actually, she stayed there in the day and left at night.

We had our exams. I used to pray with Sandra before every exam. She wished me luck. I was not worried about the exams, I used to study, not everything, but enough to score well and I was happy about my marks.

The first exam was easy, and we were confident about the remaining exams. Some were a bit tough, but still I did well. After the last exam, our school organized a send-off party for us. It was our last day in the class. Everyone was so emotional. Ms Andrea called us one by one in her cabin.

Four of us waited before the staff room. I was called. Ms Andrea smiled at me. "Anna, how was the exams?"

"Good".

"So, what is your plan, after exams?"

"I will join St Stephens with my friends, for literature. I hope so".

"That is your friend's plan. What is yours?"

"That is mine too".

"You don't have any plans, right? Just do like what your friends are doing, you are making sure you don't get separated from them, because you don't know what to do with your life, without them".

I was staring at the table. She continued.

"Anna, you are intelligent, gifted, reasonable, but you know, what your problem is, you cannot stand by yourself, you always need a support. You don't want to be independent and self-sufficient. This is your future, and your choice determines it. So forget your friends, family everything and take a decision for yourself. What you are best at? In future how you want yourself to be?

I have taught a lot of good students. Most of them were like you. This is a school where middle class students study, and they lack ambition, especially girls. I don't want you to be like that. I have seen you sitting in the class, even if you have a high fever and you score well in every exam.

I want a change. I want to see some of you getting somewhere. Maybe you can set an example to the others. So today, go home and think about this".

Ms Andrea's words had an impact on me. She showed me what I was missing the whole time. I obeyed everyone till then. I was living for others and I waited someone to choose for me every time. When she told me to have a plan I was blank, because I don't know, from where to start.

For the last time, we went to the grassland behind the school, under the oak tree. Lucy started the conversation.

"I hate these vacations and holidays. Now it is more than three months. I don't know how I am going to survive this much time in home".

Lisa replied. "It's alright, once we join the college, we will find some excuse for you to stay in a hostel. Sorry I cannot join you, because mom is alone at home and I don't think Anna leave Sandra alone. What about you Sara, both of you can stay together right".

I noticed that Sara was gloomy the whole day, she rarely spoke. I asked her. "Is everything alright?"

She answered. "No, I have to tell you all something. I am sorry, I won't be with you in college".

Lisa consoled her. "It's fine, you will go to some good colleges. You deserve that. If that is the reason, we all happy for you, Sara".

"No, we are leaving this place forever".