When she learned that her late coach’s mentor had passed away as well, she could feel the weight of the news settle heavily on her chest. Her heart ached as tears welled up and without a second thought, she left every bit of money she had on her with the family before leaving, the grief too overwhelming to express in words.
Returning home, her steps felt heavy and the restlessness in her heart refused to settle. She switched on the desk lamp, its warm glow falling on the model airplane displayed on the table. She sat there for what felt like an eternity, her thoughts drifting.
Outside, the sounds of doors opening and closing, punctuated by the laughter and lively chatter of others, seemed so near, yet somehow distant from her own turmoil.
She picked up the borrowed English cassette from the library, flipped it open and started the familiar routine of listening, repeating the words over and over as if trying to drown out her thoughts.
As she prepared to go to bed, a knock echoed through the quiet room, followed by the unmistakable rattle of the door handle. She waited, heart in her throat, until her pager beeped, bringing her a message.