Work on that day went normal as the night fast approached, I stared expectantly every time to see whether you're among those seated but that didn't occur rather quickly. Amid the expectations I still managed to work effectively that day as I keep checking the time.
Not too long from the time the library closes, I saw you quietly sat down at a corner reading a novel. I didn't know when a smile suddenly crept on my face I was amazed about the sudden display and was looking forward to the the closing hour.
That wasn't the first time I had seen in you wears other than our school uniform but the particular sight of you that evening was elegant and requisite. It made me question if we would be around the same age with you looking more matured than before. I didn't miss the fact that you were also stealing glances at me whenever you are opportuned to do so.
As it was the closing time, I quickly went to collect money for the job done that day. As I got out I already saw you leaning on the pole beside the library. I could vividly remember how you motioned for me to follow you as we headed to the park.
As we got a place to sit, how you started the conversation was the least of the things I thought could ever come out of your mouth day by asking me how I was doing and stuffs that seems personal to me but I had brushed everything off firstly by saying fine. Despite the fact that we might still get the time to converse it was also imperative for me to arrive early at the hospital so mom wouldn't be worried and start panicking.
Without any further delay or hesitation, you began speaking that night with an overwhelming surge of emotions. I vividly remember how you disclosed that you were the solitary child in your family, and this circumstance had caused you to feel a profound sense of loneliness. You expressed how your parents, rather than allowing you to freely socialize with friends, preferred that you remain at home and devote your time to reading. The intensity of your emotions was unmistakable as you shared the challenges that arose from being the sole recipient of your parents' undivided attention and high expectations.
You eloquently expressed how your parents' unwavering focus on your academic pursuits overshadowed their attention to your overall well-being. You shared how their dedication to your education often took precedence over addressing your emotional needs and nurturing your personal growth. The weight of their expectations and the constant pressure to excel academically left little room for them to fully acknowledge and support your holistic development. The depth of your emotions was palpable as you described the longing for a more balanced approach, where your well-being and happiness were given equal importance alongside your educational achievements.
You mentioned that your parents have always emphasized the importance of gaining admission to a prestigious college based on your own abilities, rather than relying on connections or favors. You expressed your support for this principle, but unfortunately, they are pressuring you to pursue a course of study that you have no interest in. You deeply desire to study law, but your parents insist that you should study political science instead.
You brought up the significant help that our teacher offered, which was aimed at providing support and preventing any thoughts of self-harm, considering the prevalence of such cases. The suggestion to meet with the teacher once a week originated from her, and your parents did not object because it aligned with their desires for your well-being. This explains why they arranged for the library to stay open during those hours, utilizing your mother's connections to the library.
Further elaborating on the situation, you mentioned that your father owns the hospital I saw you in the other day, and your mother holds a prominent position as a commissioner in the state. However, due to their demanding roles, they rarely have time for you, leaving you feeling quite lonely.
You conveyed that your parents' security measures involve having two bodyguards who take turns accompanying you wherever you go. Regrettably, this level of security comes with limitations that restrict your freedom to pursue your genuine desires. The bodyguards adhere strictly to the instructions they have received, which includes not allowing you to meet any friends. This further hampers your ability to socialize and engage in meaningful relationships outside of your immediate circle and only got chance to socialize only at school.
You expressed that you have made numerous attempts to have deep discussions with your parents, hoping to sway their unchangeable minds regarding the decisions they have made for you. Unfortunately, you rarely get the opportunity to engage in these discussions, as their minds remain steadfast in their predetermined choices for your path.
You explained that you have been diligently preparing and planning what to say, hoping for an opportunity to express your frustrations. However, these plans have consistently proved unsuccessful. You had also approached me back then out of frustration, believing that people like me were hindering your freedom and preventing you from achieving your goals. You mentioned that you had to work exceptionally hard, putting in extra effort to excel academically and maintain a top position. The reason you had to switch schools was due to a decline in your grades, which added to your frustration. At that point,I couldn't help but question what kind of parent would go to such lengths and place such importance on academic performance.
The resonance of your words reverberates with a profound sense of loneliness, evoking a cascade of tears that flow unabated from my eyes. It is a poignant reminder that, despite the apparent ease with which life unfolds, setbacks inevitably arise. While you have been blessed with a life that embodies the essence of childhood dreams, those who provide this comfort have been remiss in attending to the essential aspects they ought to have fulfilled. Meanwhile, I find myself fortunate to possess the presence of a caring mother and sister, yet the ever-pressing issue of insufficient financial means weighs heavily upon us, incessantly gnawing at our peace of mind day after day.
As the late hour enveloped us, I found myself unsurprised by the depth of my immersion in the heartfelt outpouring of your emotions, completely oblivious to the passage of time. Lost in the profound connection we shared, I neglected to glance at the clock. In that poignant moment, driven by an instinctive impulse, I extended a tender embrace, uncertain of whether it would offer the solace you sought, yet hopeful that it would provide a temporary sanctuary from the trials that beset you.
In that tender embrace, time seemed to suspend as I felt the erratic flutter of my heart, mirroring the tumultuous emotions coursing through me. Uncertainty shrouded my perception as I tried to discern the feelings reflected on your countenance. As I reluctantly released myself from the embrace, I observed you delicately wiping away the traces of tears that had stained your cheeks.
It was at that moment you confided in me, revealing that apart from our teacher, you had found no one else to whom you could pour out the depths of your heart.