Zhe students in Mrs. Wirsing's class were starting their final year of the foundational phase. This year was different from the previous ones—it was the year they had to decide what path they would take in the future. Mrs. Wirsing explained the significance of these decisions and guided them through the various fields available to them.
"Children," she began, "this will be our last year together. After this, you will go in different directions."
The class reacted with dismay. A collective cry of "WHAT?" echoed through the classroom.
"That's life," Mrs. Wirsing continued calmly. "It's about taking new paths and embracing the unknown. You must decide what interests you most and where your strengths lie."
Akio felt particularly affected by her words. The idea of parting ways reminded him painfully of his father, who had promised years ago that he would return soon. Instead, he had left Akio and his mother behind. The wound from that loss never seemed to heal.
"Why do grown-ups always leave?" Akio suddenly blurted out. "Is that all adults do? Just leave?"
Mrs. Wirsing paused. "Akio, there are always reasons why people make certain choices. Not every goodbye means you're not important."
"That's what they all say," Akio muttered, looking away.
Before the situation could escalate, Kevin chimed in. "Oh, come on, crybaby, are you whining again?"
"Kevin!" Mrs. Wirsing said sharply. "That's enough. This isn't about insulting anyone. Everyone has the right to express their feelings."
Kevin snorted but said nothing more. The tension eased, and Mrs. Wirsing refocused the class on the topic at hand.
"There are five areas you can choose from," she explained. "Each area has its own focus, but you will still learn all the basic subjects. Your choice should align with your strengths."
She began to describe the fields: creative and musical, scientific and natural, athletic and health-focused, technical and vocational, and linguistic and social. As she spoke, the students started to think about their futures.
Luna whispered to Seika, "I'm going into the creative and musical area. Acting is my dream!"
Seika nodded. "That suits you. I'm not sure yet. Art or nature—both sound so interesting."
"You're so versatile," Luna said admiringly. "That must make it harder."
Leonardo, sitting behind them, chimed in. "I'm going to do it all—singing, dancing, acting. A real star!"
Seika giggled. "Good luck with that, Leonardo."
Meanwhile, Akio was lost in thought. His father had made a choice that took him away from his family. What if Akio made the wrong choice too? What if it led him to the same pain?
His thoughts wandered as the other students whispered and asked questions. "Why do adults always leave?" he thought to himself again. But this time, he didn't voice his feelings aloud. Instead, he quietly asked, "Why do we have to decide so soon?"
"Because you're growing, Akio," Mrs. Wirsing answered kindly. "And you should follow the path that suits you best."
Akio nodded slowly, but a quiet conflict raged in his mind. Was it really that simple? His father had chosen a path, and that choice had pulled him away from his family. What if Akio's choice led to the same outcome?
As Mrs. Wirsing continued explaining the fields, Akio's memories drifted to the outings he had shared with his father in the forest. They had looked at flowers and trees together, and Akio had asked countless questions about plants, animals, and everything in nature. Those moments had been happy—before the separation had overshadowed them.
"Akio?" Lena, who sat next to him, interrupted his thoughts. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing…" he mumbled. "I don't know what to choose."
"Didn't you say you liked nature?" Lena asked gently.
"Yeah, but…" Akio trailed off. He didn't want to explain how memories of his father were holding him back. It felt like touching something unfinished, something that could hurt him.
Lena smiled. "You're good with nature. I've seen how much it interests you. Remember when you told me about that flower you called the 'Sun King'?"
Akio looked up. That was a long time ago, but she was right. He had loved flowers—their colors, shapes, and uniqueness. He had even named them because they mattered to him. In nature, he had always felt like himself.
"Maybe you're right," he said finally. "Nature is beautiful. I think I'll choose the scientific and natural field."
Lena grinned. "That's perfect for you."
Akio gave her a tentative smile. The decision didn't feel as heavy anymore. Maybe this choice could help him rediscover a part of himself—a part he didn't want to lose.
The students continued discussing their choices. Lena excitedly shared her love for animals, while Auron talked about his fascination with old technologies. Sophie wavered between science and art, while Kevin remained quiet, keeping his inner conflict to himself.
Jonathan, sitting nearby, thought aloud. "I'm interested in how things work… but what kind of things? People or machines? Nature or technology?"
"You always think so deeply," Lucas said with a laugh. "I bet you'll be a scientist."
Jonathan shrugged. "Maybe."
The conversation carried on as Mrs. Wirsing wrote notes on the board. Each student seemed lost in their own thoughts, wrestling with their future. It was clear that these decisions wouldn't come easily. But one thing was certain: this year would be a turning point for all of them.