As Ginger strolled around, his mind weighed heavily with thoughts of his recklessness and the loss of trust from Remi. He couldn't bear the thought of causing his family to worry again or doubting his abilities. Lost in his contemplation, he unexpectedly bumped into his classmate, Mary.
"Good day, Mary," Ginger greeted her, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Mary returned the greeting but couldn't hide her curiosity. "Good day, Ginger. Why are you here? I didn't expect to see you around."
Ginger paused for a moment, trying to find the right words. "Oh, you know, just taking a stroll. Clearing my mind and enjoying the day. How about you?"
Mary sensed that there was more to Ginger's answer than he let on. "Same here. It's a nice break from classes. Say, would you like to walk together? I heard there's a great café nearby. We can catch up."
Ginger appreciated the offer. "That sounds lovely. I'd enjoy some company. Lead the way."
They walked together, their conversation filled with lighthearted topics and casual banter. Ginger carefully avoided mentioning his secret missions, wanting to keep that part of his life hidden from Mary and their shared college experience.
"So, how's college been treating you?" Ginger inquired, attempting to shift the focus away from himself. "Any interesting classes or projects?"
Mary eagerly shared her college experiences, detailing her academic pursuits and involvement in extracurricular activities. Ginger listened intently, genuinely interested in her journey.
"College has its ups and downs," Ginger admitted, giving a small smile. "Trying to keep up with assignments and exams, you know how it goes. But hey, it's great to see a familiar face like yours."
Arriving at the café, they found a cozy spot to sit and continue their conversation. They exchanged stories about their hobbies, discovering shared interests and newfound passions. Ginger was captivated by Mary's tales of painting and found himself opening up about his own hobby of photography.
As their drinks arrived, the conversation took a more introspective turn. Lost in his thoughts, Ginger finally mustered the courage to share his inner turmoil with Mary. He spoke quietly, explaining how his recklessness had led to his brother's doubt and his own desire for change.
"I don't want to cause my family worry anymore," Ginger confessed, his eyes filled with determination. "I need to be more mindful of my actions, think before I act. I want to grow and become someone they can rely on."
Mary listened attentively, her expression understanding and supportive. She leaned in slightly, offering her insight.
"You know, there's a tale I once heard about two donkeys," Mary began. "They belonged to a poor farmer, and when the time came for them to retire, the farmer decided to bury them. The first donkey panicked, jumping and searching for a way out of the hole. But the second donkey remained calm, conserving its energy."
Mary continued, her voice steady and reassuring. "The second donkey used the dirt falling on its back to build a mound, gradually climbing out of the hole. It didn't rush or panic, but instead used its surroundings to find a solution. Sometimes, staying calm and patient can lead us to the answers we seek."
Ginger absorbed Mary's words, contemplating the tale's underlying message. He felt a sense of relief, finding solace in her wisdom and encouragement. Grateful for their conversation, Ginger thanked Mary sincerely for her advice.
"You're right, Mary," Ginger said, his voice filled with newfound determination. "I need to stay calm, think strategically, and use my surroundings to find solutions. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of patience and resilience."
They continued their conversation, enjoying their drinks and the genuine connection they shared. In that moment, Ginger felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead with a clear mind and a steadier resolve.