Chapter 29
On the first of June, exam admission tickets were handed out, and by the third, the exam venues were confirmed. By the fourth, the class of 2009 at Linkon First High School had only two classes left in their high school journey.
Those last two classes were with their homeroom teacher, Layla.
The atmosphere in the classroom was a mix of tension and sadness. Even Oscar, who was usually carefree, wore a slight downturn expression.
Graduation meant saying goodbye.
For students like him and Nathan, maintaining their bond through college, careers, marriage, and parenthood was a rare possibility.
For most of the class, the post–exam reunion would be their last time together. After three years of being forced together, spending almost every day side by side, conflicts were inevitable.
But at this point, none of that mattered anymore. Even Justin, who Oscar usually found insufferable, wasn’t as irritating now.
Nathan, on the other hand, wasn’t caught up in these emotions. It wasn’t that he was cold- hearted, but his mature outlook allowed him to see things more clearly.
In life, a person didn’t need too many friends, and they didn’t have enough time to maintain countless relationships.
True happiness and freedom boiled down to two things: financial security and a harmonious
family.
As for friendships–having one or two close confidants who could provide emotional support was enough.
Like Nathan and Oscar. They were each other’s keepers of youth, a relationship worth maintaining for a lifetime.
As for the rest of the classmates? They didn’t matter much.
In ten or 20 years, who would even remember each other?
Even if there were class reunions, they wouldn’t be about rekindling friendships; they’d be about showing off.
During these final two classes, Layla’s main focus was heart–to–heart conversations and some pre–exam psychological guidance.
Perhaps affected by the sentimental atmosphere, Layla herself became emotional. Her voice grew thick with emotion as she spoke.
“I want to formally apologize to all of you. Over the past three years, I’ve been strict, not allowing you to express yourselves freely. I know what you call me behind my back–‘Dragon Lady, right?”
Laughter broke out, filling the room.
Nathan couldn’t resist making a joke. “Mrs. Finn, you’ve got it all wrong. Behind your back, we call you Audrey Hepburn. If you were ten years younger, Cheryl wouldn’t have a chance at being the class beauty.”
Layla chuckled at that, but she quickly returned to her serious tone. “I… I just wanted you all to get into a good university, to not waste the twelve years of hard work, or the three tough years of high school. As we part ways, let me share some final words of advice.”
The class immediately straightened up, listening intently.
“In life, success and fame pale in comparison to one thing. That one thing is living your life the way you want.
“We come into this world as ourselves first, before we are anyone’s child, classmate, or friend. While we must consider others, we must also live for ourselves.
“Watch the flowers bloom, the rivers flow, the sun rise, and the sun set. We live in this world to understand a few truths and encounter some interesting people and experiences.
“Life is a series of coincidences, and we spend it searching for meaning.”
Layla’s words were deeply emotional and heartfelt. Her speech moved many students to tears.
Even Nathan, without realizing it, felt his eyes water.
“Life is a series of coincidences, and we spend it searching for meaning.”
Though Layla may not have intended it, her words struck a chord deep within Nathan. She truly was a valuable teacher.
Nathan almost regretted not paying better attention in her classes over the past three years.
