The Less Advantaged

Chapter I Episode 4(Mary's Inspiration)

Mary's mother still seemed sad and pensive.On a number of occasions , Alice asked Mary "Why are you so keen on going to school?"Mary always answered,"Because I want to be like our teacher of English, Mrs Marion." She had ran away to a mission house with the help of her mother, when she was young.The nuns there educated her by sending her to a boarding school and looked after her during the holidays.She had completed her education and training and was then well dressed and lived in a large luxurious modern house across the street.

Most local girls' dream was to be like Mrs Marion one day or even go to the big city that they had only heard of.One day, Mary told her mother about this dream.Alice gave Mary a long stare then finally said,"My daughter, I admire your ambition but remember, sometimes many people never live to fulfill their dreams."Mary was aback for she did not expect such an answer from her mother.It was rare to get an educated girl from their community and therefore the teacher was a good role model for other girls.Mrs Marion supported her family and her mother was the envy of other mothers around. Unfortunately, her father never used to visit her. He still harboured anger because he was forced to return dowry after Marion refused to marry the chosen suitor.