If Love Is Cure

Kindness Boomerang

Anya Rynn stood before the mirror, book in hand, nervously rehearsing lines for her upcoming presentation. As she gazed at her reflection, a silent prayer for success escaped her lips. Her heart raced with anticipation, and the weight of the impending moment pressed upon her. With a deep breath, she left the room, leaving behind the echo of her whispered hopes.

In the living room, Anya's mother, Mrs. Rynn, stood with a glass of milk, concern etched across her face. The door creaked open, and Anya's presence drew her attention.

Mrs. Rynn: "My dear, you don't take care of yourself. This way, you're going to get ill. And then, how are you going to achieve your goals, my angel?"

She gently caressed Anya's cheek, her eyes filled with a mother's worry and love.

Anya: "Come and sit here. I've told you many times not to worry. I'm fine."

Anya smiled sweetly, guiding her mother to the sofa. The warmth of their bond illuminated the room as Mrs. Rynn continued to express her concern.

Anya: "And I'm going to university. You take care of yourself, okay?"

Mrs.Rynn: "Okay, but drink this first."

Mrs. Rynn handed Anya a glass of milk, a gesture filled with maternal affection. Anya obliged, sipping the milk and planting a gentle kiss on her mother's forehead before heading out.

----

At the university, Anya's vibrant energy filled the air as she navigated the bustling corridors, the weight of her upcoming presentation lifted by the support of her best friend, Zoe Parker.

Zoe: "Anyaaaa!"

Zoe's exuberant voice echoed through the hallway as she rushed towards Anya, her enthusiasm contagious. The two friends embraced with a laughter that could rival the liveliest moments on campus.

Anya: "Zoe! What's up, sunshine?"

Zoe: "Oh, you know, just basking in the glow of your awesomeness. Your presentation, girl, it was like a showstopper!"

Anya: "Stop exaggerating, Zoe. I was just doing my thing."

Zoe: "Doing your thing? Girl, you had Xander's jaw on the floor. It was priceless!"

Their laughter echoed through the corridor, drawing the attention of passersby who couldn't help but smile at the infectious joy radiating from the dynamic duo.

Anya: "Stupid! Don't laugh... I just gave my best."

Zoe: "Best? You were a rockstar up there! Xander's face was like, 'Did she just drop a knowledge bomb or what?'"

The camaraderie between Anya and Zoe transformed the university scene into a joyous celebration of friendship. Their banter, laughter, and shared triumphs painted the mundane corridors with vibrant hues, turning a simple day into a memorable chapter in their college journey.

Zoe: "So let's go out, there are no more lectures for today...."

Anya: "Ummm...I can't, I have to go to the cafe."

Zoe: "Ohh sorry, I forgot...well, how's Aunt now? And did Uncle find his job?"

Anya: "Yup...mumma is better now, and dad too found a new job, but still, I'll do this part-time at least for a month!"

Zoe: "That's good...okay, we will go some other time...see ya..."

Anya: "Byee...."

---

On the other side of town, Max parked his car with an air of calculated precision. Accompanied by Ira, they strolled towards a restaurant, their paths intersecting with a young boy selling flowers. Max, in his usual stoic manner, dismissed the boy with a cold retort.

Max: "Go away, boy. We don't want anything."

Undeterred, the persistent child looked to Ira, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Boy: "Sir, please buy some flowers. I haven't sold a single one since this morning."

Max: "I told you I don't want it. What style of begging is this?"

Ira, however, couldn't turn a blind eye. She called the boy over, a compassionate light in her eyes.

Ira: "Come here to me, dear."

The boy approached hesitantly, and Ira, with a graceful smile, exchanged money for the flowers.

Ira: "Thank you! Do you go to school, dear?"

Boy: "I do go to school, but after that, I sell these. I came earlier today as it was a school holiday."

Ira: "Wow! You are quite hardworking."

As the boy departed, Max looked on with an irritated expression.

Max: "This is child labor, Ira, and you're encouraging it."

Ira: "Max, it's easy to say these words for you, but difficult to understand that these kids have no other choice. They are helpless."

Their perspectives clashed, leaving an underlying tension that lingered as they continued their walk.

Inside the restaurant, the waiter served their food, setting the stage for a clash of values. Ira, empathizing with the plight of underprivileged children, expressed her feelings.

Ira: "These kids are so hardworking. They have no choice but to leave their studies at this young age. I really feel bad for them."

Max, visibly irritated, couldn't find common ground.

Max: "I think we should leave."

Ira: "Why? The food is just served."

Max: "Are we here for lunch or to discuss these social issues?"

Their diverging views on societal matters simmered beneath the surface as they left the restaurant.

----

At the cafe where Anya worked, a colleague informed her that someone had come to meet her. Intrigued, Anya stepped outside, only to find Joah Frigg, a classmate, waiting.

Anya: "Yes, what's your order, sir?"

Joah: "Na, I came here to meet you."

Anya: "These are my working hours."

Joah swiftly changed his approach, complimenting Anya on her presentation and extending an invitation for Xander's birthday surprise. Anya, willing to contribute to the surprise but hesitant about the subsequent party, reluctantly agreed.

As the day unfolded, Ira returned home, a whirlwind of thoughts clouding her mind. In her room, she found solace as she contemplated her relationship with Max. Frustration led her to reach for her diary, where she penned a poem expressing her longing for understanding.

A helping hand, a heartfelt smile,

The kindness you give come back in a while.

Like a boomerang winging through the air,

The people you help send you love and care.

When you show kindness, it's very true,

Others show kindness back to you.

She closed the book, her thoughts lingering on the complexities of her relationship.

Her phone vibrated, a text from Max breaking the silence.

Max: "Good night, Ira!"

The message, simple yet ambiguous, left the chapter with an unresolved tension, paving the way for the intricate exploration of the characters' lives and relationships in the chapters to come.