Light of Real Destiny
Tap, tap, tap… my hand strikes the pencil against the top of my wooden desk as I try to figure out the answer to the math problem. I glance at my name at the upper right margin of the paper: Claratia Starling. Then suddenly, I got it! I draw a box around the number eight to indicate my answer and set my pencil down. I look around the classroom to see the plainness of the light beige walls and the faded marker stains on the whiteboard. To my left, three large windows had their shades down, covering the beautiful sight of the park just beyond the math hall. Most of my classmates are chatting and going to each other’s desk. I stay at my own desk and think about the latest book I’ve been reading. The book is called, Light of Real Destiny. It is about two friends, a warrior named Natalia and a cleric named Zor, who go on an adventure to find the magical Crystal. When the Crystal is shone to the sunlight, it restores life and safety in the cursed land of Majestia. With Natalia’s combat skills and Zor’s healing powers, together they work as a team to find the Crystal and save Majestia.
I am lost in thought when I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. I turn around and see a pair of white sneakers standing by my desk. Those shoes are worn by Susana Elkins, I recognize. I look up. The classroom lights reflect her long, curly, highlighted hair as she holds up the math assignment.
“Clara,” she asks nervously, avoiding eye contact with me. “I need help on this question.”
“Okay, let me take a look.” I answer.
I explain the math problem and slowly, Susana begins to understand. She nods every now and then and even says, “Ohhh!” when she realizes how to solve it. Finally, we finish the assignment.
“Thank you! That was so helpful!” Susana quickly says.
“You’re welcome!” I reply.
Then I remember. “Susana, good job on your theater performance yesterday. You make a great lead dancer.”
A beat.
“Oh, did you like it?” She asks, beaming.
I nod. “When did you start dancing?” I ask.
But Susana is already heading towards a group of friends at the other end of the classroom.
During break, I go to the school garden and sit under the purple willow tree. I like going there because it is a quiet place where I can read or go deep in thought about the stories. My parents say that I’m constantly daydreaming, but for me, it’s more than just a dream. I am fully awake, but I am in the story. I can interact with the characters and hear their voices. I possess every magical power and I know everything that’s happening up to where I’ve read. As I sit under the hanging flowers of the willow tree, I gaze at the scenery before me: the vegetables growing in the garden, the vast hills past the school, and the fluffy white clouds in the sky. I keep looking at the clouds and thinking about Natalia and Zor’s adventure….
“Clara!” A young woman wearing rose-colored armour runs and hugs me. Her dark brown hair is neatly plaited.
“Natalia!” I breathe and return her hug.
When we let go, I see a young man wearing a soft, grey cloak. He is standing in the corner of the candle-lit room, smiling.
“Clara, it’s good to see you!” He walks over to me with his arms open.
“Zor! You’re here, too.” I give him a hug.
The three of us stand silently for a moment. Then we all giggle.
“Natalia, Zor, I am so glad to see you all,” I start, “Majestia, it can be saved. You both find the Crystal and lift the curse.”
“That’s great,” Natalia replies, “Clara, this time, would you like to help us?” She holds out her hand.
“Yes.” I say, taking her hand.
