As Tsula and I chatted as usual, she brought up a guy from her college for the first time.
"He's a senior class rep, and I really love his eyes," she said, her admiration clear.
This was the third time she'd mentioned him and his eyes. Each time, my jealousy grew a little more. I found myself wishing I could poke his eyes if I ever met him. I couldn't bring myself to admit this to Tsula; I was too shy to confront how much his frequent mentions bothered me.
Is this what they call best-friend jealousy? Whatever it is, if I ever cross paths with him, I'm definitely going to give him a playful poke.
The next morning, classes started early, and I had just come from my third class. Everything was going smoothly until the meeting after class.
"Okay, everyone, listen up!" Rena called, but the students barely looked up from their phones. She tried again, her voice rising slightly, "I said, listen up!"
The room remained indifferent. Rena hesitated, feeling the growing tension, but pressed on.
"College Week is in just five days," she began, trying to sound assertive despite her nerves. "We need to finalize the decoration themes, confirm the events, performers, and…" Her voice wavered as she noticed a student yawning. "—and get those event flyers distributed…"
The disinterest in the room was palpable.
"Why are you stressing so much, Rena?" Rohit asked dismissively, not even looking up. "It's just another college event. We do this every year."
Rena's frustration was clear, but she struggled to articulate her feelings. Clenching her clipboard, she spoke, her voice trembling, "This isn't just another event... This is our chance to... to show everyone what we're capable of…"
Her words didn't seem to resonate. Neha leaned back, indifferent. "What's the big deal? As long as it happens, everyone's happy. Right, guys?"
The group murmured in agreement, some nodding half-heartedly. Rena's confidence started to falter. She tried to rally herself, but the uncertainty in her voice was evident.
"I just... I want this week to be special... something we can remember..." Rena's plea was met with more apathy.
Itoy spoke up, concern in their voice but not fully committed. "Rena, we know you care, but... maybe you're asking too much. It's hard for us to get excited about this when we're all so drained."
Rena blinked back tears, feeling defeated. She forced a small smile, though it was clear she was struggling. "Yeah... maybe you're right…"
As the students began to gather their things and leave, only a few offered half-hearted promises to help out later. Rena watched them go, her shoulders slumping. She was left alone in the empty preparation area, staring at the cluttered table and the banner that now felt like a burden rather than a symbol of celebration.
That didn't end up well for Rena. She had volunteered to lead this because she wanted it to be the best. Yet, my own laziness didn't help her cause. Deciding to contribute in my own way, I spent almost three hours finishing up the week's teaching material presentation. Finally done, I was exhausted. It was nearly 6 PM, and I wondered if anyone was still around the college. On the other side, the event preparation area was mostly deserted. Chairs were scattered, and papers lay strewn across the floor. Rena, alone, was kneeling beside a cluttered table, working on a pile of event flyers. Her fatigue was evident, and her movements were slow and deliberate. Occasionally, she glanced around the empty space, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Trying to focus on folding the flyers, her hands trembled slightly. After a moment, she stopped, looking down at the flyer in her hand as tears welled up in her eyes.
Rena (to herself, voice breaking):
"Why... Why does it always have to end up like this?" She quickly wiped away a tear, trying not to break down. But the weight of the responsibility and the overwhelming task seemed too much to bear. She looked at the stack of unfinished flyers and the half-decorated walls, feeling the burden pressing down on her. Her breathing became uneven as she fought back more tears. The silence around her only amplified her sense of isolation. Reaching for another flyer, her hand stopped halfway, trembling, and the paper slipped from her fingers, floating to the ground. Rena (whispering, almost to herself):
"I need to do more.."She closed her eyes, struggling to gather her strength. The once-determined look in her eyes was replaced by deep sadness and helplessness. Leaning back against the table, she hugged her knees to her chest, letting the loneliness consume her. The sound of a distant door creaking open echoed through the space, but Rena didn't notice. The footsteps that followed were slow and hesitant, as if the person approaching was unsure whether to interrupt.
The focus shifts just outside the door of the preparation area, where the setting sun's soft glow casts long shadows on the floor. Ashan stands hesitantly by the door, peering inside with a conflicted expression. The faint sound of Rena working alone drifts out, and he sighs, leaning against the wall.
I had a feeling Rena might still be here... but to see her working so late after class... What's she thinking? But Well, it's should not really be my concern.. I shouldn't interfere.
I turn to leave, my footsteps slow and hesitant. Just as i was about to walk away, a sudden thought made me pause. The thought hits me hard, and i frowns, staring at the ground as memories floods my mind.
(Thinking to myself)Why does this remind me of Tsula? Did she ever feel this kind of helplessness, struggling alone when no one was there for her?
I run a hand through my hair, clearly agitated as i recalls Rena's angrer with me for falling asleep in class and how she always took charge during their duties. The memory sticks with me, and i clenches my jaw, my frustration palpable.
(softly, almost to himself)
Tsk... This is going to be a pain...
Resolute, i pull out my phone and makes a few quick calls, my tone firm as i arranges for assistance. With a determined look, i heads toward the principal's office, my steps purposeful.
The scene lingers on my retreating figure, my resolve hardening with each step as i prepares to take action, driven by a mix of past memories and a sense of duty.
Rena sat alone in the event preparation area, her exhaustion palpable and her resolve fraying. The once bustling space was now eerily quiet, with only the occasional rustle of papers and the faint clatter of objects breaking the silence. I entered quietly, my footsteps barely making a sound on the floor. I paused just inside the door, observing her as she struggled with the pile of event flyers, her movements slow and deliberate.
Taking a deep breath, i stepped forward, his voice gentle as i addressed her.
Ashan: "Rena, you've done enough for today. You should head home and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow."
Rena stiffened at the sound of his voice. Her exhaustion was quickly replaced by frustration, and she turned to face him with a flash of irritation in her eyes.
Rena (her voice edged with emotion): "Go home? Ashan, what are you talking about? We're nowhere near done, and it feels like no one cares except me!"
She stood up abruptly, the banner she had been working on slipping from her lap. Her glare was intense, and her voice trembled as she tried to hold back tears.
Rena (voice rising, breaking slightly): "You don't understand! This event is crucial. If I don't do it, who will? You don't care about this as much as I do. None of you do! If it means doing everyone's work myself, then so be it!"
Ashan listened quietly, letting her words wash over him. I knew her anger was not truly directed at me but at the overwhelming burden she had shouldered.
Ashan (calmly): "Rena, I understand that you want this event to be perfect. But you're not alone in this. I've already arranged for help from the drama club. They're ready to pitch in if we provide some people for their play. I've also managed to get a few others on board."
Rena looked at him, her surprise evident but her frustration still lingering. She opened her mouth to speak, but Ashan continued, his tone firm yet reassuring.
Ashan: "I also spoke with the principal and secured permission for a bonfire. It's something that could boost everyone's motivation and excitement for College Week. You're doing the right things, Rena, but you can't handle everything on your own. You need to involve others and work together."
Rena's anger began to fade as realization set in. She blinked, absorbing his words, though uncertainty remained in her eyes.
Ashan (softening, yet resolute): "This event is important, but so is your well-being. If you keep pushing yourself like this, you'll burn out before the event even starts. Please, go home for today. Come back tomorrow and convince everyone, and let's make this event perfect together."
The weight of my words began to settle on Rena, her shoulders sagging as the exhaustion and tension caught up with her. She looked at me, her gaze softening, and a small, tired smile began to form on her lips.
Rena (softly): "You really think we can do it? Together?"
Ashan (nodding with a reassuring smile): "I know we can. But only if we work together."
Rena took a deep breath, her frustration melting away into relief. She nodded slowly, accepting my offer.
Rena: "Alright... I'll go home. But tomorrow, we're going to make this happen. All of us."
Ashan (gently): "That's the spirit. Now, go get some rest."
Rena gathered her things, casting one last look around the preparation area. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded at me in gratitude before making her way to the exit. As she left, i watched her go, my expression thoughtful. I took a deep breath, knowing there was still much to be done but feeling a renewed sense of purpose.