Last Oxygen

Chapter 4: Resiliency

After a week, the residents were able to finish the cleaning of their home and surroundings. The trash was fully collected little by little by the garbage collectors. The classes resumed and students were advised to prepare for their upcoming examinations.

Alex went to his school wearing civilian clothes because his white uniform turned into brownish yellow due to the mud. He also went to the library to borrow some books because he needs to prepare for his exams. He searched various book shelves to see if the books are still available. However, some of the books were already borrowed. 

“Good morning, ma’am, I would like to ask if you might have spare books with these titles?” Alex handed over his list to the librarian.

“We usually display these books on the shelves over there. Unfortunately, these were already borrowed by other students” apologetically said by the librarian. 

“It’s fine, I understand. Thank you again.” Alex took the list and went outside the library. 

A classmate of Alex heard the conversation with the librarian. He knows that Alex is a bright student and he needs high grades to keep his scholarship. The classmate of Alex lives in the nearby town and it was located in the higher grounds so she was not affected by the flood. 

“Alex, you can borrow my books and return it after you have finished reading the chapters for our examinations. I have studied in advance so I already made my reviewers.” said by the kind classmate to Alex. 

“Wow, this was unexpected and so kind of you! I will take care of your books and return these as soon as possible. Thank you so much!” Alex accepted the books with both hands and enlightenment was visible on his face. 

No time was wasted and Alex sat on a table nearby to start preparing for his exams that will start the next day. Some people were staring at him because he was not wearing his proper uniform but he did not bother with their expressions. For him, the important matter is that he was able to go to school and now has books to read. He has hope that he will be able to keep his scholarship and continue his studies.

Professor Michelle Woven went to the library to return some books she borrowed for her lessons in class. She was looking around the library and saw many students reading and studying for their tests. The library rarely contains students during the normal days but a week before and during the examination days, many tables are surely occupied. Upon roaming around the library, she was able to glance at a student wearing civilian clothes. 

“Alex, is that you?” Ms. Michelle whispered while glancing at the student reading his books.

Alex diverted his sight from the book he was reading to the person who whispered to him.

“Oh, hello Ms. Michelle. I apologize for not wearing my uniform. It was soaked in the flood. My mother tried really hard to wash it but it became brownish yellow in color. This is the reason I decided to wear my civilian clothes but I brought my ID so they would allow me to enter the school.” Alex responded.

“No worries, Alex. I understand the situation. I saw from the news that South Wilberra was severely affected by the flood. Fortunately, there were no casualties indicated. However, several damages on the properties and surrounding were evident. How’s your family?” Ms. Michelle is a caring and understanding professor to her students. This is the reason why she is really passionate in teaching and educating them.

“My family is fine, Ms. Michelle. Even my pet, Fluffy , was able to evacuate. Thank you for your concern. I appreciate it.” 

“That is good to hear. Well, I also need to get going. You may resume reviewing your notes. Best of luck in the upcoming exams.” Ms. Michelle walks toward the door of the library and glances once more at her student, Alex, before going outside. She knows that Alex is a thrifty student and she thought of helping her student to have a new set of uniforms.  

The supplier of school uniforms is just a few blocks away from the school’s vicinity. Ms. Michelle decided to go there and ask for the price of the uniform. The old owner was there and Ms. Michelle explained the situation of his student that was severely affected by the flood. She said to the owner that she would like to buy five sets of uniforms for her student. The owner was touched by the kindness of Ms. Michelle and was pitiful of the situation of the student.

The owner went inside of the shop to see the available stock of uniforms. Five sets of uniform was placed inside a bag and was handed to Ms. Michelle. When Ms. Michelle was getting the money for payment, the owner stopped her and stated that it is free. The owner was moved because in a world full of greed, compassion is still existing.

“This is so kind of you! My student will be very happy to have these new sets of uniforms.” Ms. Michelle left the place with a smile on her face.

She went back to the school campus. Alex was no longer in the library. Ms. Michelle was able to see Alex's classmates and they said Alex was in the cafeteria. She went immediately to the cafeteria and was very excited to give the uniforms to her student. Upon looking around, she saw Alex eating a sandwich at a corner with a glass of water.

“Alex, I was looking for you. Your classmates told me they saw you here.” Ms. Michelle said with a smile on her face. “This is for you. Five sets of uniforms were given for free by the supplier of the school’s uniform. I understand that this is a trying time for you and your family. You are a very diligent and bright student. This is a little support for you. Strive hard for your studies.” Ms. Michelle encouraged Alex to not lose hope despite the difficulties and remain resilient.

“I don’t know what to say. I’m not expecting this but I really appreciate your concern and help, Ms. Michelle. Thank you for your good heart” teary eyed Alex was not able to contain his emotions and began to cry. He was having tears of joy because the past few days were really hard for him but he tried his best to become resilient.

Ms. Michelle patted him on the back. “Striving and hard working students like you deserve this support. You and your family will get through this, okay? I really do hope that illegal logging would soon stop to avoid this type of catastrophe. Innocent people like the residents of South Wilberra do not deserve this kind of suffering.”

“I agree, Ms. Michelle. Trees are very important. These help prevent floods, provide fruits, help balance the ecosystem and most importantly, provide the oxygen we breathe.” Alex shared his thoughts as well.

The story of Alex is only an example of how the wrongdoings of other people adversely affects the lives of innocent people. Natural resources such as trees have an important role in the environment.  Exploiting it would definitely lead to undesired circumstances. People affected by the flood became resilient not because they want to but because they have to. It’s their only choice.  Resiliency is a great characteristic but how long will innocent people be able to endure the effects of a catastrophe. An important question that needs to be pondered.