This story is about a teacher named Rose who tells her students about two former students of hers named John and Martin. John started as a mischievous boy who acted out to get attention from his busy parents. Rose sat him next to the well-behaved student Martin in hopes he would influence John. Martin treated John with patience and kindness, eventually earning John's friendship. On the day of a major earthquake, John and Martin's bond was shown when John refused to leave Martin's side as the building collapsed around them. Both boys ultimately lost their lives but with their hands still joined, demonstrating the power of true friendship.
The document contains two autobiographies, one by Mariana Zuluaga and one by Valentina Rivas. Mariana was born in Cali, Colombia in 1998 and had a happy childhood, learning to walk, talk, and attending nursery school. She enjoyed activities like cooking and horseback riding. Valentina was born in Cali in 1997 and also had a happy childhood, learning to swim and winning an award in second grade. Both enjoyed spending time with family and had many positive experiences throughout their primary school years.
This document contains several poems dedicated to the author's mother, including summaries of and commentary on published poems by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Raymond A. Foss, Ivan Donn Carswell, Carl Sandburg, and Mary Elizabeth Coleridge. It also includes three original poems by the author, Rachael Sessoms, reflecting on themes of wonder, missing surroundings, and self-identity.
Fon is a girl from Thailand who lives with her family in a crowded neighborhood of Bangkok. She helps her grandmother sell flower garlands to support their family financially. Fon enjoys making the garlands but struggles with missing school to help with sales. Her teacher is understanding of her situation. The story highlights Fon's perseverance in continuing her education despite difficulties.
The document provides details about the relationship between Khushwant Singh and his grandmother. It describes how the author was close with his grandmother as a child in the village, with her taking care of him, but their relationship changed as he went to school and university in the city. It then discusses her death and how she was found by sparrows mourning her passing.
Khushwant Singh reminisces about his grandmother in his piece "The Portrait of a Lady". She had always been short, fat, and slightly bent. As a child, Singh lived with his grandmother in the village and she accompanied him to school each day, spending her time in the nearby temple. When Singh's family later moved to the city, his grandmother's routine changed but she continued reciting prayers. In her old age, she enjoyed feeding sparrows until her death, which was marked by the sparrows' unusual silence after she passed.
Every year in October, the author and their dad go apple picking at Sholan Farms and make apple crisp. One year while carrying bags of apples, the author stepped in a hole and rolled their ankle, causing all the apples to fall out of the bags. The author loves watching the Boston Bruins hockey games with their family but there was a lockout this year preventing games. The author also enjoys getting ice cream at Cherry Hill but once cut their knee there.
The document summarizes the narrator's experience after their house burns down in a fire. They lose their cat in the fire and struggle adjusting to a new school. However, their classmates and teachers rally around them, collecting donations to replace what was lost. A month later while visiting the rebuilt house, the narrator is reunited with their lost cat, found by a kind stranger. Regaining their cat and finding community at their new school helps the narrator feel secure again after the traumatic events.
Polar Solar and his friend Daniel D. Whoman go on a journey to find a lost "love heart" and save their world. After many mistakes, they finally find the love heart but a bird steals it. Discouraged, Polar yells at Daniel, but they make up. The next day, they discover the hearts of everyone in their world have changed for the better. Mrs. Old explains she shaped their world in response to Polar and Daniel's kindness on their journey, inspiring her with their perseverance and good hearts.
The document provides a summary of the plot of Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility. It describes how the Dashwood family must leave their home of Norland Park and move elsewhere after their father passes away. Two of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, find their own romantic interests - Elinor with Edward Ferrars and Marianne with John Willoughby. However, both of their relationships face obstacles.
Lyle is nervous about asking his childhood friend Roxanne on a date. He talks to his friend Wally about it first. Wally points out that Roxanne comes from a wealthy family and private school background, while Lyle's family has more modest means. Wally doubts Lyle stands a chance. Nevertheless, Lyle works up the courage to talk to Roxanne away from her friends. However, he struggles to get the words out due to nerves and feeling intimidated by Roxanne's friends watching them.
The document discusses the author's unexpected loss of his wife of 44 years and how he coped with the grief. It then describes how the author decided to dedicate an issue of his magazine "Kafla" to his late wife. The issue would focus on women and include articles and poems about women written by the author and his writer friends. The author expresses gratitude to relatives and friends for supporting him during his time of grief and for helping him publish this dedicated issue of the magazine.
Langging grew up in a poor family in a rural area. She worked hard in school and helped her family financially while pursuing her dream of going to college. Although her parents could not afford to send her, she was accepted into a scholarship program in Manila run by nuns. She initially had to work as a caretaker to save money for school. After a year of working hard, Langging was enrolled in college to study education. Through perseverance and sacrifice, she was able to achieve her dream of getting a college education and becoming a teacher.
Recount Text - Macam-macam contoh recount text.. for class X MA/SMAMulia Fathan
1) The document is a collection of recount texts in Indonesian about various personal experiences and events, such as being late, having an unlucky day, a busy day, a vacation at the beach, experiencing a flood, a busy holiday, a school trip to Bali, and the first experience being a solo backpacker.
2) One text recounts a woman who woke up late and had trouble moving her motorcycle that was blocked in by other motorcycles in the garage.
3) Another tells of a weekend that started unluckily, from falling in the bathroom to mistakenly greeting the wrong person while jogging to eating before the meal was ready and getting sick.
The document summarizes life events in the household of the author and their family over time. Key events include the author getting married and having three children with their spouse Adrian - daughter Katherine, son Lucas, and second daughter Kristin. As the children age from infants to teenagers, the family adopts cats and the author's career advances. Family relationships and the children's interests and personalities are discussed.
Detailed Lesson Plan (ENGLISH, MATH, SCIENCE, FILIPINO)Junnie Salud
Thanks everybody! The lesson plans presented were actually outdated and can still be improved. I was also a college student when I did these. There were minor errors but the important thing is, the structure and flow of activities (for an hour-long class) are included here. I appreciate all of your comments! Please like my fan page on facebook search for JUNNIE SALUD.
*The detailed LP for English is from Ms. Juliana Patricia Tenzasas. I just revised it a little.
For questions about education-related matters, you can directly email me at mr_junniesalud@yahoo.com
Estrella Alfon was a prominent Filipino writer known for her short stories set in Cebu. Her story "Magnificence" tells of a tutor who gains the trust of a family but begins to show inappropriate affection towards the young daughter. When the mother discovers this, she slaps the man and has her daughter throw out the gifts he had given her. The story highlights the importance of protecting children and being wary of those they are entrusted with, as well as the psychological effects of the oppression of women and children. It demonstrates how power imbalances in gender relationships can enable the abuse of the vulnerable.
The document is a story written by students from multiple countries as part of a Comenius project on quality of life. It tells the story of a girl who is new to her school and struggles to fit in due to differences in language and culture. She carries a charm from her grandfather that transports her back to her home village when she is feeling lonely. There, she is able to see her friends and grandfather again, finding comfort. Eventually, she makes new friends at school who help her feel more included.
Brandon Lawrence struggled with writing and found it depressing until discovering poetry and music, which helped him process stressful experiences like his grandmother's death. He incorporated his experiences into song lyrics and poems, gaining attention from friends and teachers. His high school creative writing teacher, Mr. Dick, encouraged Lawrence to share his writing in class, helping him overcome nerves. Mr. Dick also assigned journaling and songwriting, helping Lawrence establish a writing process using vivid details, outlines, and music to focus, which he still uses for essays. Discovering his talent in music and poetry strengthened Lawrence's writing abilities.
humor is established to be very good for ones health and so here is another source to make you feel better for you cannot help but laugh at some of the thing you will read here.
The document details a young girl's journey from birth to her teenage years, during which she rebels against her strict mother and disobeys her warnings, culminating in a car accident that makes her realize her mother's love and protection. Through the accident, the daughter comes to understand that her mother has always cared for her wellbeing despite her rebellious behavior.
Daily Bedtime stories with Auntie Ruth.pdfAnastasiaRuth1
These are the typical bedtime tales for kids. Either the child or the parent may read it to the youngster. Every story the youngster hears daily serves to remind them of God's work in the world and draws them nearer to Him.
The theme is that actions have consequences. In the story, a boy plays a trick by falsely claiming there is a wolf attacking, which causes the sheep herder and farmer to run to help unnecessarily. When there is actually a wolf, no one comes to help the boy. This shows that crying wolf when there is no real danger can have negative consequences when real help is needed. The story connects this lesson about consequences to the "real world."
The document contains four short stories:
1) Zach has several pets including a bird, dog, pig, and rabbit and wants more animals like a lamb, kitten, and duck.
2) A girl named Tracey is nervous about starting at a new school but makes some friends by the end of the day.
3) An artist named Navi visits Mexico and is excited to see her fiancé Roberto's hometown, but she is stung by a scorpion while sketching a church.
4) Three family members who had a strained relationship all have the recurring dream of biting into an apple and their teeth falling out, realizing they have more in common than they thought.
This document contains a collection of poems dedicated to or about mothers, as well as explanations written by Iliana Tineo about the relationships between the poems and her own mother. It includes original poems written by Iliana praising her mother's strength, caring nature, and the lessons she has provided. The poems cover themes of a mother's devotion to her children through difficult times, the bond between a mother and child, and a mother's role in raising and teaching her kids.
The passage provides biographical details about Loreto Paras-Sulit, a Filipino writer and educator. It notes that she was born in Ermita, Manila and graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in education. She then worked as an English teacher while actively writing. The passage summarizes that she was involved in literary organizations and later worked for the Philippine National Red Cross for decades until her retirement.
Janet immigrated to the US from Haiti at age 15 with her younger brother Kervens to live with their mother. Kervens started hanging out with the wrong crowd and doing drugs instead of focusing on school. Janet struggled to adapt to her new school where she didn't speak English and was bullied. Her mother's boyfriend Bob and Kervens got into a violent fight in the home after Kervens disrespected his mother and Bob.
1) The document describes an evening where a man named Vicente helps two children, a little girl and boy, with their homework. He gifts them pencils which they are excited about.
2) The next evening, Vicente holds the little girl on his lap inappropriately while helping with her homework. The mother senses something is wrong and has the children go to their rooms.
3) The mother confronts Vicente and slaps him repeatedly down the stairs until forcing him to leave. She bathes and changes the little girl's clothes, sensing something was wrong.
A girl named Sophie was home alone on a stormy Saturday evening when the power went out. Her cat was acting strangely. She heard noises upstairs and found a little girl in a white dress playing with a ball. The girl asked Sophie where her box was. Sophie found a box with a teddy bear under the swing in the garden. The girl took the teddy into Sophie's room and closed the door. When Sophie opened the door, the power was back on and her cat was playing with a ball.
The document discusses themes in literature. It defines a theme as a life lesson, meaning, or message about life that is communicated through a story. Themes are implied rather than explicitly stated. They apply to the "big world" rather than just the small world of the story. Examples of themes given are "money can't buy happiness" and "don't judge people based on surface appearances." The document provides guidance on identifying themes, noting they should convey advice that applies broadly rather than just summarizing the plot.
My Mom Taught Me
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The author likes the ending of the story "The Railway Children" because it is dramatic and exciting. At the end, Bobbie discovers evidence that clears her wrongly imprisoned father of spying charges. When reunited, Bobbie hugs her father joyfully. Later, Bobbie saves an oncoming train using flags made from her dress, and the family is rewarded with gold watches. The author says the ending teaches about the importance of family and shows how the mother remained brave and patient despite their difficult circumstances without the father.
Theme - The Search for Meaning (ereadingworksheets.com)jjwubby
The document discusses themes in literature. It defines a theme as a life lesson, meaning, or message about life that is communicated through a literary work. Themes are not explicit but rather implied and apply to the "big world" rather than just the small world of the story. Examples of themes include "money can't buy happiness" and "don't judge people based on surface appearances." The document provides guidance on identifying themes, noting they should convey advice applicable to the real world and be inferred from analyzing what happens in a story rather than being directly stated.
The document discusses themes in literature. It defines a theme as a life lesson, meaning, or message about life that is communicated through a literary work. Themes are not explicit but rather implied and apply to the "big world" rather than just the small world of the story. Examples of themes include "money can't buy happiness" and "don't judge people based on surface appearances." The document provides guidance on identifying themes, noting they should convey advice applicable to the real world and be inferred from analyzing what happens in a story rather than being directly stated.
The document discusses themes in literature. It defines a theme as a life lesson, meaning, or message about life that is communicated through a literary work. Themes are not explicit but rather implied and apply to the "big world" rather than just the small world of the story. Examples of themes include "money can't buy happiness" and "don't judge people based on surface appearances." The document provides guidance on identifying themes, noting they should convey advice applicable to the real world and be inferred from analyzing what happens in a story rather than being directly stated.
After readingDaughters of Invention, answer the following ques.docxoreo10
After reading
Daughters of Invention
, answer the following question: How does the main character describe her upbringing? How do you think her mother influenced her as a writer? Please reply to two of your classmates and use the story to cite your work.
Daughters of Invention
Julia Alvarez
That Sunday evening, I was reading some poetry to get myself inspired: Whitman in an old book with an engraved cover my father had picked up in a thrift shop next to his office a few weeks back. “I celebrate myself and sing myself. . .” “He most honors my style who learns under it to destroy the teacher.” The poet’s words shocked and thrilled me. I had gotten used to the nuns, a literature of appropriate sentiments, poems with a message, expurgated texts. But here was a flesh and blood man, belching and laughing and sweating in poems. “Who touches this book touches a man.”
That night, at last, I started to write, recklessly, three, five pages, looking up once only to see my father passing by the hall on tiptoe. When I was done, I read over my words, and my eyes filled. I finally sounded like myself in English!
As soon as I had finished that first draft, I called my mother to my room. She listened attentively, as she had to my father’s speech, and in the end, her eyes were glistening too. Her face was soft and warm and proud. “That is a beautiful, beautiful speech, Cukita. I want for your father to hear it before he goes to sleep. Then I will type it for you, all right?”
Down the hall we went, the two of us, faces flushed with accomplishment. Into the master bedroom where my father was propped up on his pillows, still awake, reading the Dominican papers, already days old. He had become interested in his country’s fate again. The dictatorship had been toppled. The interim government was going to hold the first free elections in thirty years. There was still some question in his mind whether or not we might want to move back. History was in the making, freedom and hope were in the air again! But my mother had gotten used to the life here. She did not want to go back to the old country where she was only a wife and a mother (and a failed one at that, since she had never had the required son). She did not come straight out and disagree with my father’s plans. Instead, she fussed with him about reading the papers in bed, soiling those sheets with those poorly printed, foreign tabloids. “The Times is not that bad!” she’d claim if my father tried to humor her by saying they shared the same dirty habit.
The minute my father saw my mother and me, filing in, he put his paper down, and his face brightened as if at long last his wife had delivered a son, and that was the news we were bringing him. His teeth were already grinning from the glass of water next to his bedside lamp, so he lisped when he said, “Eh-speech, eh-speech!”
“It is so beautiful, Papi,” my mother previewed him, turning the sound off on his TV. She sat down at the foot of the bed. I stood bef.
Mastering Web Design: Essential Principles and Techniques for Modern WebsiteswebOdoctor Inc
Dive into the dynamic world of web design with our comprehensive guide that covers everything from foundational principles to advanced techniques. Whether you're a beginner looking to understand the basics or a seasoned designer aiming to refine your skills, this article offers invaluable insights. Explore topics such as responsive design, user experience (UX) optimization, color theory, typography essentials, and the latest trends shaping the digital landscape. Gain practical knowledge and actionable tips to create visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly websites that stand out in today's competitive online environment. Perfect for designers, developers, and anyone passionate about crafting compelling web experiences, this guide equips you with the tools needed to elevate your web design proficiency to new heights.
An Introduction to Housing: Core Concepts and Historical Evolution from Prehi...Aditi Sh.
This comprehensive PDF explores the definition and fundamental core of housing neighborhoods, tracing the evolution of housing from prehistoric times 2.5 million years ago to the early 19th century Industrial Revolution. It delves into the various stages of housing development, highlighting key innovations, cultural influences, and technological advancements that shaped the way humans have built and inhabited homes throughout history. This document serves as an essential resource for understanding the dynamic history of human habitation and the ongoing transformation of housing neighborhoods.
This PowerPoint presentation demonstrates my beginner skills in creating product showcases. It provides an overview of a specific product, showing my ability to gather key information and present it clearly. The presentation highlights my efforts to organize content logically and use basic visual aids effectively.
Gender Equity in Architecture: Cultural Anthropology in Design IdeologiesAditi Sh.
This PowerPoint presentation offers a comparative analysis between a female and a male architect, focusing on their ideologies, approaches, concepts, and interpretations for a mixed-use building project. This study prompts a reconsideration of architectural inspiration and priorities, advocating for gender equity and cultural anthropology in architectural design.
With Fear For Our Democracy I Dissent ShirtTeeFusion
In these times of increasing political polarization, many people feel a deep concern for the health of American democracy. If you're one of them, then the "With Fear For Our Democracy, I Dissent" shirt might be the perfect way to express your convictions.
https://dribbble.com/shots/24472856-With-Fear-For-Our-Democracy-I-Dissent-Shirt
A visual identity is the heart and soul of a place, embodying its unique
character and heritage. By carefully preserving this essence, we can ensure
that new elements blend seamlessly, honoring the past while embracing
the future.
Portfolio of Family Coat of Arms, devised by Kasyanenko Rostyslav, ENGRostyslav Kasyanenko
The Ukrainian and German journalist Rostyslav Kasyanenko has dedicated himself to genealogical research and heraldry. Originally Ukrainian, now living in Munich (Bavaria) he working in Ukrainian Free University (Est. 1921) as archivist. Curator of Heraldic Teams, Member of Ukrainian Heraldry Society (UHS) R.Kasyanenko is Deviser of the Family and Municipal Coat of Arms and Author of the exhibition concept project: “Maritime flags and arms of the Black Sea countries vs. Mediterranean: what has changed in 175 years?”
Author of scientific articles (2023-24):
Parallels between the meaning of Symbol and Myth according to Hryhorii Skovoroda and heraldic systems
Heraldry as a marker of evolution of national identity in Ukraine and Slovakia: from the Princely era to the "Spring of Nations" (XI-XIX centuries)
Historical parallels in the formation of national awareness in Ukraine and Slovakia in modern times (1848-1992)
Proto-heraldry of Kievan Rus': dynastic symbols of the Princely era, and how does the Palatine Lion relate to this?
Symbols of the House of Romanovyches: the Bavarian influence in Ukrainian heraldry
Participant of Scientific Conferences (2023-24):
- XXХІІІ Heraldic Conference of the Ukrainian Heraldry Society, October 13, 2023, Lviv
- International Conference “Slovak-Ukrainian Relations in the Field of Language, Literature, and Culture in Slovakia and the Central European Space”, University of Prešov, Institute of Ukrainian Studies, Faculty of Arts, 18-20.10.2023
- International Conference „The Past, Present, and Future of Heraldry: Universality and Interdisciplinarity“, Vilnius, 12-13.06.24
- International Conference "Coats of Arms as Weapons – Heraldic Symbols in Political, Dynastic, Military, and Legal Conflicts of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period”, Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald.
According to the heraldist, he has worked with many heraldic artists over
the years. However, he developed the ideas for all the coats of arms himself, except for his own. The case of the Kasyanenko (from the Shovkoplias clan) family coat of arms — featuring an audacious Cossack riding a rhinoceros — deserves special attention. "After all, one could talk about one's own crest, just like one's ancestors, for an eternity," he says.
4. It was Monday, and the town school started as usual. Ms Rose
Marie entered the class. She was a middle-aged lady, who taught
children from grades five to eight. Her way of teaching was very
unique. She explained every lesson with some live examples.
Students enjoyed her classes and eagerly waited for that.
“Good morning, Mam,” the children greeted in chorus.
“Good morning, everyone”, Rose greeted them back.
“So how was your weekend?” Rose asked her students.
The children were over enthusiastic about their answers and each
narrated their own stories of spending their time with family, some
went for bike ride around the town, some enjoyed gardening with their
parents. Rose listened to them patiently. The interest that she showed
in the kids made her their most favorite teacher.
She was about to teach “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, a Babylonian poem
that is among the earliest known literary works in history. It narrated
the friendship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
When a student finished reciting one fourth of the poem, she started to
explain the general idea that the poet wished to convey to the world
through his poem. Before she could finish, she saw at the corner of the
class, there was a hand raised.
“Yes, Rivesh, may I know what your query is about?” Rose asked.
“Pardon me Mam, if you feel I am wrong. I just wanted to ask that do
you really feel true friendship exists? Did you ever see a never ending
bond between friends?”
Rose was taken aback by the question. It meant she had to narrate a
story, which she had buried in her heart long time ago.
After pausing for a moment, she said, “Yes, I have seen.”
“Please tell us.” The students requested her.
So Rose started speaking in a gentle voice. She stared through the
window for a minute before she could meet the enthusiastic eyes of
5. her pupils.
She said, “Children this is a true story, which I myself have seen in my
life.”
She started:
I was teaching in the small town of Bolivia, in South America. At that
time I taught students from standard three to five. They were very
young and fresh, as you all are. The students who came to the school
were from families belonging to average income group.
One day, a family moved to the town. They looked very affluent. They
had a son who was around seven years in age. He was very rude and
impolite. His parents moved here for their professional reasons. Both
of them were doctors in the town’s famous hospital. So John moved
along with them here and was admitted to the school, where I taught.
The first day he came, he broke one of the panes of the classroom
window. He fought with other children, tore their shirts, pushed some,
and broke their belongings. This went on for a week. We teachers
thought that he would improve with time. After every mischief, he was
told not do it, but there was no effect, no change in his misdeeds.
Later we thought to call on his parents, but they seemed so busy, that
they did not pay any heed to our request.
This made me feel that due to lack of parental care, he grew up in this
way. I thought of trying a new technique, in order to help John. I made
him sit beside the best boy in the class. Martin was not only good in
studies but also in every thing he did. At the same time he was
extremely polite and modest.
The first day when John and Martin sat together, John ate all of
Martin’s lunch from his box. He often used to do that and enjoyed
when the other person got annoyed or started to cry. But he was
shocked when Martin just smiled and said, “May I have yours, I m
hungry”. John was so spellbound by his answer and the pleasant
request, that he opened his box and handed it over to him.
The next day, John tore one of the pages of Martin’s book, and he was
sure that Martin would now shout or start a fight with him. But he was
6. again taken by shock when Martin went to the teacher to ask for glue
tape to join the page. He did not say a single harsh word to John.
John was growing impatient with the peaceful nature of Martin and
tried all possible techniques to annoy him. Everyday he would spoil
something or the other that belonged to Martin, but Martin would have
silently restored everything to its earlier shape.
After a month, John gave up his misdoings and asked Martin, “Where
do you get such patience. Why don’t you fight me back?”
Martin smiled and then turning towards John, he said, “I do not fight
my friends. Why would I hurt someone unnecessarily, when I know I
can mend back the particular item or when there exists some other
solution to that problem.”
“You know something John”, Martin continued, “My mama says, if you
hurt someone’s feeling, it hurts you back at a double rate.”
Martin’s words worked wonders on John; he sat there staring quietly at
Martin.
Martin said, “It’s my turn to ask question. Tell me John why you go
around spoiling others’ things. Instead of making friends you turn them
into enemies. What drives you to do all these?”
The question had pierced straight into little John’s heart. For the first
time there were small tears in his eyes. He held his head in shame and
buried it in his hands. Then with a low and choked up voice he said,
“My parents never paid any attention to me. They never greeted me
either in the morning or at night. My governess was always there for
me. But I wanted to be with my parents. Once I broke a very expensive
statue in our house, that day I saw my father in front of me, he was
scolding me but at least he was near me. Another day I screwed our
TV. That day my mother slapped me tight, but at least she touched me.
I thought that if I do some mischief, I would get the time to be around
my parents. This started on and I felt that if drawing attention means
spoiling things, I would better do that. You have no idea Martin, how it
feels to be unwanted.” Tears started rolling down his soft cheeks.
Martin felt very sad. He felt that it was his question that made him cry.
“Oh John, I am very sorry, I really did not mean to hurt you.”
7. “Okay John, would you promise me something.” Martin asked
enthusiastically.
“What?” John replied from under his hands.
“If I be with you, throughout your life, during times both good and bad
and if I promise to pay you full attention, irrespective of whether you
need me or not, would you stop being mischievous? I can assure you I
will be there for you always.” Martin said holding John tightly.
“Yes I will stop all the mischievous stuffs that I do.” He smiled
crookedly. Rubbing his tears, he hugged Martin.
Next day, to everyone’s astonishment, John walked in front of the class
and apologized for his wrong doings and promised them that he would
prove to be a very good friend. He came to me, to thank me for making
him sit beside Martin. I was more than happy to see a changed and
well-mannered John.
Years went by. Their friendship grew stronger and stronger. Martin
helped him from studies to sports, and in everything John needed his
help. He kept his promise. He would study first and then explain it to
John, so that he too did well in his academics. With Martins
encouragement and motivation, John made it to schools basketball
team. Both of them represented their school in inter-school basketball
competitions.
Days went by and I was happy to see their ever-growing love. Martin
was very protective of John. He would shield him from anything that
posed a threat to John. But somehow, deep in my heart I felt that John
is not as selfless as Martin is. He has still slight feeling of envy or
jealousy deeply rooted in him, though from his refined behavior, it was
hard to understand.
It was winter. The day was June 9, 1994. In the morning we felt a little
tremor as if our bed was shaking and our utensils were rattling. No one
paid any attention. By morning 8:00 AM, the school started as usual.
At 10:00 AM the school building started vibrating in very violent
manner. It was an earthquake of higher magnitude. We somehow
announced the children to come out of their classrooms. The pleasant
environment of the school turned into a total chaotic mess. We started
8. pulling out junior classes first as the senior students would be able to
manage themselves.
The quake was hitting now and then. After maximum of the students
were pulled out of the school, some of us, ran throughout the building
to ensure that no one else is left in the school building. When I
reached the third floor, I saw John, lying on his chest, supporting
himself with the help of pillar and stretching his hand out as if trying to
pull some one up. To my surprise, it was Martin who was hanging
down. The sidewall had broken due to the high magnitude of the
quake and he slipped through it. I also joined hands with John to pull
Martin up.
Martin cried, “I won’t make it, you both save your lives. Go run.”
I said, “I am your teacher, I cannot let you die in front of my eyes.”
John was already sobbing. In his broken voice he said, “If I leave your
hand today, I won’t be able to survive through the rest of my life. You
were the one who taught me human emotions, to love and to be loved.
You were there for me in every moment of my life, be it sorrow or joy,
so how come you expect me to run away leaving you in such a
situation. Moreover you promised me to be with me throughout my life.
I won’t let you break your promise, my friend.”
My heart melted by listening to their conversation. What I thought
about John was totally wrong. Both John, and me somehow were able
to pull Martin up slightly, at least Martin was able to hold an iron rod for
his support. They both were grown ups, and for John and me it was
not possible to pull up another grown up boy like Martin. I asked John
to hold Martin’s hand tight and asked Martin to take the support of the
iron rod and in the mean time, I would call some more people for help.
I hurried down the steps, I found some teachers for help. We were on
our way and just reached the other end of third floor, from where we
could see John lying on the ground. With fast and hasty steps we were
approaching them, when the quake had hit again. We somehow,
caught the windows and doors of the classroom to keep our balance.
Before we could stand on our feet, we no more saw John on the floor.
When looked over the corridor wall we saw that both of them had
fallen on the ground. Their heads were lying in pool of blood. But their
hands were joined to each others’. They kept their promise; they did
not leave each other till the end.