December 15th marked the final day of exams, a culmination of weeks of stress, sleepless nights, and rigorous study. The subject of the last paper was Church History and Tradition, covering a variety of intricate topics: Early Church Fathers, Councils of the Church, the history of monasticism and religious life, and the role of saints in Church tradition. The tension among students was palpable as they headed to the dining hall for breakfast.
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Breakfast and a Somber Meeting
Maria and Catherine arrived at their usual spot in the dining hall. The tables were bustling with chatter as students discussed their preparations and plans for the upcoming break. Maria's thoughts, however, were elsewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about Kate.
A few minutes later, Kate hesitantly walked into the hall. Her shoulders were slouched, and her eyes avoided contact with anyone. When she saw Maria and Catherine, she gave a small wave and slowly approached their table.
Maria:
"Kate, come sit with us."
Kate sat down, her tray trembling slightly as she placed it on the table.
Maria:
"How are you feeling today?"
Kate: (shrugging)
"I'm okay... I guess. It's hard not to feel like I let everyone down."
Catherine:
"You made a mistake, but you're owning it. That takes courage. Don't be too hard on yourself."
Maria reached out and placed a comforting hand on Kate's.
Maria:
"Kate, you're not alone. I'll be here during the winter vacation. I don't have family to go back to, so if you need help preparing for your exams, I'm just a knock away."
Kate's eyes welled up with tears, but this time, they were tears of gratitude.
Kate:
"Thank you, Maria. That means so much to me."
Catherine, meanwhile, couldn't contain her excitement for the break.
Catherine:
"Speaking of vacations, I can't wait to go home! I'm heading to Las Vegas tomorrow. My brother Nathan is coming to pick me up at the station. We're going to have the best Christmas ever!"
Maria shot Catherine a playful glare.
Maria: (laughing)
"Catherine! Stop rubbing it in. You're making Kate feel worse."
Catherine: (smiling apologetically)
"Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to. I'm just so excited to see my family."
---
The Final Paper
As they entered the exam hall for their last paper, there was a mix of relief and lingering nervousness in the air. Maria took a deep breath and focused on the questions in front of her.
The paper was challenging but fair. Topics like the Councils of the Church required detailed knowledge, while questions about the role of saints in Church tradition called for thoughtful reflections. Maria poured her energy into each section, her pen moving steadily across the paper.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam, she set her pen down and leaned back in her chair with a deep sigh of relief.
Maria: (to herself)
"It's finally over."
Catherine met her in the corridor, her face glowing with excitement.
Catherine:
"We did it, Maria! No more late-night study sessions or exam stress!"
Maria smiled, but her expression was more subdued.
Maria:
"I'm just glad it's over. Let's grab something to eat and relax."
---
Evening Visitors
After the paper, Maria returned to her room and collapsed on her bed, falling into a deep sleep. It wasn't until evening that a persistent knock at her door stirred her awake.
Maria: (groggily)
"Who is it?"
Catherine: (from outside)
"It's me, Catherine! Open up!"
Maria stumbled to the door and opened it to find Catherine standing there, a wide grin on her face and a ticket in her hand.
Catherine:
"Guess what? I've got my train tickets! I'm leaving tomorrow at 3 p.m. for Las Vegas. Nathan will be there to pick me up. Isn't that great?"
Maria rubbed her eyes and smiled.
Maria:
"That's wonderful, Catherine. I'm so happy for you. You've been talking about this trip for weeks. I hope you have an amazing time with your family."
Catherine stepped into the room and sat on Maria's bed.
Catherine:
"Thanks, Maria. I'm going to miss you, though. You've been such a great friend. And don't forget—if Kate needs anything, you're her lifeline, okay?"
Maria: (nodding)
"I'll take care of her. Don't worry."
---
Dinner and Family Tales
That evening at the dining hall, Catherine was in high spirits, chatting animatedly about her plans for the holidays.
Catherine:
"So, my dad is an orthopedic doctor, my mom's a software engineer, and my younger brother Nathan is studying political science. It's going to be so great to have the whole family together."
Maria:
"Your family sounds wonderful. You're lucky to have such a close-knit group."
Catherine: (teasing)
"What about you, Maria? You've never told me much about your family."
Maria hesitated, her gaze dropping to her plate.
Maria:
"There's not much to tell. My parents passed away when I was young, and I don't have any siblings. I've been on my own for a long time."
Catherine's smile faded, replaced by a look of sympathy.
Catherine:
"Maria, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up something painful."
Maria: (smiling faintly)
"It's okay. I've made peace with it. And honestly, being here with all of you feels like having a family in its own way."
Catherine reached across the table and squeezed Maria's hand.
Catherine:
"Well, you're stuck with me as your honorary sister, whether you like it or not."
Maria laughed, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time.
---
Parting Words
As the night wound down, Maria walked Catherine back to her room.
Catherine: (at the door)
"I'll call you as soon as I get home. And don't forget—you're spending Christmas with me next year. No excuses!"
Maria: (smiling)
"I'll hold you to that. Have a safe trip, Catherine. I'll miss you."
As Catherine disappeared into her room, Maria returned to her own, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude. She may not have a traditional family, but the bonds she had formed at the church were just as meaningful.
The semester had been a journey of challenges and growth, and as Maria prepared for the quiet days ahead, she knew she wasn't alone.