The Sky Lighthouse

Chapter IV: Summer (Class) Around the Corner

As Jean entered the counselor's office, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had been gnawing at her since that strange day. She took a seat opposite the counselor's desk, trying to push aside her worries as she waited for the conversation to begin.

"Jean, I wanted to speak with you about your scholarship grant," the counselor began, her voice gentle but firm. "As you know, it's a significant opportunity that can provide invaluable support throughout your medical studies."

Jean nodded, though her mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with thoughts of the ancestral home and the unsettling events that had transpired there.

"However," the counselor continued, "I couldn't help but notice that your performance has been somewhat inconsistent lately. Is everything okay?"

Jean hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She knew that her mind had been preoccupied with matters beyond her control, but she couldn't bring herself to confide in the counselor about the strange occurrences that had been haunting her.

"I'm fine, thank you," Jean replied with a forced smile, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty.

The counselor studied her for a moment, her gaze penetrating and perceptive. "Jean, I understand that medical school can be challenging, and it's perfectly normal to experience moments of doubt or uncertainty. But it's important to remember why you chose this path and to stay focused on your goals."

Jean nodded, though her heart felt heavy with the weight of her secrets. She knew that she needed to find a way to confront the shadows of the past and to overcome the fears that held her back.

"Thank you, counselor," Jean said, rising from her seat with a newfound determination. "I'll do my best to stay focused and to make the most of this opportunity."

As she left the counselor's office, Jean couldn't shake the feeling that her troubles were far from over. But she also knew that she couldn't let fear dictate her actions or derail her dreams.

"It's not that simple," Jean told Marelle over lunch.

"What was I supposed to say? Oh, my mom has cancer, and I want to spend every moment I can with her. But I also can't, so I can finish school faster and become a doctor, just like I promised her, so can you put it on hold?"

"Why don't you?" Marelle asked.

"Again, it's not that simple. A lot of students are after this grant. One in fifty medical schools... to drop it, I may not actually be able to get it back again. My mom has to pay for chemo, this scholarship is the best thing that I can give her."

Marelle flung a piece of spring roll into her mouth. She got it from Jean's plate.

"It's first year, Jean. Relax a bit. What did the counselor say? She said all that just because you got an 89 instead of a 100. So what? All of your other subjects have scores that half of the class dream of having half of. Don't beat yourself for it."

Jean looked down and rubbed her fingers. "You're right."

"Go to this vacation, skip the summer class. We'll take the same courses next year. Wouldn't it still be fun?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Jean smiled to the idea.

"I still support you taking semester courses earlier, but you have to unwind. Listen to music, dance, mess around with a cute boy." Marelle elbowed her with a smile.

Jean's face turned blank. "Shut up." she smiled, and the two of them filled the cafeteria with laughter.

"Hey," Marelle's expression turned serious. "I'm your bestfriend, you can tell me anything, okay?"

"Okay," Jean smiled. "Thanks."

The two stepped out of the bustling cafeteria, the afternoon sun bathed the campus in a warm glow, casting long shadows across the cobblestone path. Their conversation was light and animated, filled with laughter and anticipation for the long vacation ahead. There was still a lot to pack in the dorm room.