UNDER THE SIRENS LIGHT

One night, the soft glow of a lamp illuminates the bedroom as Althea 16, a young woman, sits at her desk with a pile of textbooks strewn haphazardly in front of her. Althea's phone buzzes with a text message, and she picks it up, her heart skipping a beat as she reads the words from her sister Johaima. “Althea, can we talk? It's really important!” her pulse quickens with anticipation as she types out a quick response. “Of course. I'll be there right away!” With a sense of purpose, Althea slips out of her room and makes her way downstairs to her sister's room. Johaima's room is cozy, and adorned with family photos and soft lighting. Althea a determined young woman with a warm smile, sits across from her sister, Johaima (18), who looks troubled. Concerned about her elder sister so she asked, “Johaima, what's wrong? You seem upset?” Johaima sighs, “It's just...I don't know how to tell Mom and Dad!” Althea reaches out and gently takes Johaima's hand, offering silent support. “Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together. You don't have to face it alone, okay?” Johaima's eyes well up with tears, and she takes a deep breath before speaking. “I'm dropping out of college.” Althea's heart sinks as she absorbs her sister's words. She squeezes Johaima's hand tighter, offering comfort. “But why? What happened?” “I just can't do it anymore. The pressure, the expectations...it's all too much!” Johaima replies softly. Althea listens attentively as Johaima pours out her heart, her worries momentarily forgotten. She looks at her sister sympathetically. “I understand, Johaima, but dropping out isn't the only option. We can talk to Mom and Dad together, we'll figure out a plan that works for you.” “I'm just so scared of disappointing them,” she sobbed. “They may be disappointed at first, but they love you, Johaima. They'll understand!” she said reassuring her sister. Johaima nods, her shoulders sagging with relief as she leans into Althea's comforting embrace. Later, at Montenegro's family kitchen, Johaima and Althea sit at the kitchen table with their parents, MR. and MRS. MONTENEGRO (50s), seated across from them, concern etched on their faces. “What's going on, girls? You both seem very serious?” Mrs. Montenegro asks worried about her daughters. Althea takes a deep breath, steeling herself as she prepares to speak. “Mom, Dad, Johaima has something she needs to tell you.” Johaima looks down at her hands, her heart pounding in her chest. Nervously she said, “I...I've decided to drop out of college!” There's a moment of stunned silence as Mr. and Mrs. Montenegro process their eldest daughter's words. Then, Mrs. Montenegro reaches out and takes Johaima's hand, her eyes filled with love and understanding. “Johaima, sweetheart, why? Is something wrong?” Johaima nods, tears welling up in her eyes as she struggles to find the right words. “It's just that...I'm overwhelmed, Mom. I don't know what I want to do with my life, and I can't keep pretending like I have it all figured out.” Mr. Montenegro places a comforting hand on Johaima's shoulder, his expression filled with empathy. He takes a deep breath, his gaze steady as he meets Johaima's eyes. Johaima's stomach twists with guilt as she remembers the countless nights spent studying, her mind elsewhere. “I've been trying, Dad. I have. But it feels like I'm constantly falling behind.” Mr. Montenegro reaches out and places a reassuring hand on Johaima's shoulder, his expression filled with understanding. “We know, sweetheart we've noticed how much you've been struggling with college lately. We know it's been hard for you, trying to balance your studies and that's why we want to offer you an alternative.” Johaima's heart skips a beat as she leans in, eager to hear what her father has to say. “The truth is, Johaima, our family business could use your help. With your creativity and drive, I believe you could make a real difference!” Johaima's eyes widen with surprise as she absorbs her father's words. A million thoughts race through her mind as she considers the possibilities. “I want you to do what's best for you, Johaima. If that means putting college on hold for now and focusing on our family's business, then I support you one hundred percent!” Mr. Montenegro explained. Johaima's mind whirls with conflicting emotions as she grapples with the weight of her father's words. She knows this decision could change the course of her life forever. Finally, she felt relieved. “Okay, Dad. Thank you!” A sense of relief washes over Mr. Montenegro's face as he envelops Johaima in a tight embrace, pride swelling in his chest. Johaima returns to her father's embrace, a newfound sense of purpose coursing through her veins. Feeling determined, she said,“ I'll make you proud, Dad. I promise.” “Johaima, we just want what's best for you. If college isn't the right path for you right now, then we'll support whatever decision you make. You can start learning our business!” Mrs. Montenegro added. Johaima's tears spill over as she's enveloped in her parents' embrace, a weight lifted off her shoulders. “Thank you, Mom, and Dad. I love you both so much!” Johaima said. She smiled and felt grateful for her family's unwavering love and support. After the conversation, their parents left and went into their room. Althea also stood up and went upstairs into her room. Sitting at her desk surrounded by books and study materials, she looks determined, but also a bit apprehensive. Just then, Johaimah enters the room, carrying a stack of papers and a serious expression on her face. “Althea, may I have a moment?” “Of course, Johaimah. What's on your mind huh?” “I've come to realize that my passion lies in business and entrepreneurship, and I want to devote more of my time and energy to that pursuit, but as I promise Mom and Dad, I'll finish this school semester first before leaving school. Althea nods thoughtfully. “I understand and I support you completely. But what about me? I'm still in the middle of my studies.” “That's something we need to discuss. I know how important your education is to you, and I don't want to stand in the way of your dreams.” Althea's eyes lit up, “So you're saying...?” “I'm saying that I'll take over the day-to-day operations of the business, and promise me you'll make sure that you have finished your studies and don't be like me!” Althea replied, “Thank you, Johaimah.” Johaimah smiles warmly. “We're family, Althea. Supporting each other is what we do best.” They share a moment of silence, and then Johaimah clears her throat and gets down to business. “Now, onto more practical matters. I've drawn up a plan for how we can divide our responsibilities and ensure that everything runs smoothly.” She lays out the plan on the desk, and Althea leans in to take a closer look. Althea was impressed. “This looks very thorough, Johaimah. You've thought this through?” Johaimah nods. “I've been preparing for this for a while now.” “Well, it looks like you're ready,” Althea said. “We'll get through this together, no matter what!” Althea reassured her sister. They shake hands, sealing their agreement to move forward with their respective plans. They begin discussing the details of their new roles and responsibilities. Johaimah will start to learn and manage their business, and Althea will finish her studies, after that, in the future, they'll both manage their family business together.