Chapter 40
‘Dear Ms. Shire,
My name is Avery Flynn. I apologize for not resuming on my said date. A sudden family situation required me to leave town for the summer.
I remain deeply interested in the Junior Reporter position. My circumstances may have given me a unique perspective, and I believe I could contribute compelling pieces for your “A View From Elsewhere” series remotely. I’ve attached my previous writing sample for your convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Avery Flynn.
The computer whirred and beeped, its slow connection fluctuating. I held my breath, watching the screen flicker. Finally, the connection was a little stabilized. My finger hovered over the mouse for a second before I clicked send. I logged out, my heart pounding fast against my chest.
A week later, the reply came.
Avery,
Thank you for your email. I was disappointed when you didn’t show up on your resumption and when Mrs Rachel explained your situation, I was glad to hear there was a reasonable explanation. Your writing sample was one of the strongest we’ve seen from someone your age. We would like to offer you another opportunity. Attached is your first assignment. Welcome to the team.
Best,
Davina.
I took a train back home with the help of my grandmother. The summer holidays were over and school would be resuming in two days and my parents had refused to pick their calls.
For the rest of the summer, the mornings were for Grandma’s lessons.
“This,” Grandma had said, pointing to a plant with delicate, feathery leaves, “is fennel. It can soothe a troubled stomach.” She then proceed to crush a leaf between her fingers, and a sweet, licorice scent filled the air. “But you see that one there?” She gestured to a tall, handsome plant with clusters of white flowers. “That’s a water hemlock. It may look harmless, even pretty. But it’s one of the deadliest plants I know. A single bite can be fatal.”
She also taught me which plants I could use to make tea to calm a racing heart and which poultices could draw out infection and in the afternoon, I would type out various articles assigned to me.
“Avery! You’re back!” Ava’s voice rang out sweetly, pulling me from my thoughts. She’s dressed in a yellow
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Chapter 40
sundress, looking pretty as always, her hair pulled in a ponytail and decorated with beautiful hairpieces. She walked towards me and gave me a quick hug. “We missed you! It was so boring without you.”
The lie rolled off her lips so smoothly, so effortless. I forced a fake smile. “I missed you too.
“Did you behave well at your grandmother’s?” Mom asked, her eyes scanning my appearance the moment I stepped in.
“Yes, Mom. We worked in the garden together and all. It was fun.”
“Good,” Dad said, already turning away. “Glad you’re back.”
Six Months Later
“Ashhi-”
“Bless you,” Madison muttered, swinging her legs as she sat on the edge of my desk. The crisp air of autumn had long since surrendered to the deep freeze of winter, frosting the classroom windows.
“Thanks,” I smiled briefly and continued packing my bag for a Model UN strategy session, carefully tucking my notes on water scarcity in the Nile Basin into a folder.
“Another club?” she asked, her voice a mix of boredom and suspicion. “What is it this time? The Future Accountants of America?”
“It’s Model UN,” I said, not looking up from checking my research. “We’re simulating a crisis committee.”
She let out a dramatic sigh. “That sounds… incredibly boring.”
“To some,” I replied, zipping my bag. “I find it interesting.”
“You’re always busy now,” she stated, leaning forward on her knees. “It’s like you’re a different person. You used to be so much fun to be around. Now you’re …”
I finally looked at her, my expression neutral. “People grow up, Madison. I’m just trying to do what I like.”
She narrowed her eyes, her signature pout forming. “Yeah people grow up but we’re just twelve. It’s just… we never hang out anymore. Sarah was asking about you just yesterday. She said it feels like you’re too good for us now with all your… smart clubs.”
I felt a flicker of irritation but kept my voice even. “That’s not true, and you know it. I saw Sarah at lunch. We talked about the new Vamps movie for twenty minutes. I’m still here, Madie. I just have other commitments,
too.”
“But why?” she pressed, her frustration bubbling over. “Why can’t we hang out, at least once in a while? You’re not even that present on the group chat.”
“I’ll make it up to you guys” i said, pulling on my puppy eyes on her
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32
“Oh. Well, I guess that’s… line.” She mumbled. “You also act kind of weird sometimes… it feels like you’re much
older than us.”
The bell rang, saving me from an immediate answer. The hallway was filled with students, and Madison stuck close to my side.
“It’s just weird, Avery,” she continued, raising her voice a little. “First it was the writing with Ms. Rachna, now it’s all these clubs. What’s next? you need to rest. When will you let your parents and sister know of this?”
I stopped walking and turned to face her. “What’s this really about, Madison? Are you mad I’m not gossiping around with you anymore or what?”
Her cheeks flushed. “No! I just… I miss my friend. And I don’t get why you’re being so secretive. It’s not like they’ll really hurt you.”
If only you knew, I thought. Out loud, I replied, “I’m not being secretive. I’m just trying to be safe. My parents… they have certain expectations. That I must not be better than Ava at anything”
“But you love writing,” she argued, her brow furrowed in genuine confusion. “Ava is so good at it. But you have the passion, something she doesn’t. You both are their kids right?”
We reached the bustling cafeteria. “Is that supposed to be a question?” I chuckled.
AD
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
