I stand by the window in the classroom, gazing outside. The clouds drift slowly across the sky, as if time itself has stopped. The space around me is eerily quiet, with only the sound of pens gliding across paper, the ticking of the clock every second, and the soft sound of my breath. It all seems to exist in a moment of perfect stillness.
Whenever I think of the days before, when I was immersed in dark memories, I can't help but wonder: can I overcome it all? Can I find a new path, or will I be stuck forever in those shadows?
But today, everything seems to have changed. I feel strong enough to stand firm. Even though the path ahead is still unclear, I know at least that I am no longer afraid. No more nightmares, no more haunting ghosts from the past. Instead, I feel a strange peace, a feeling I never thought I could reach.
The classroom door opens, and I turn around, meeting the gaze of my teacher. She smiles, then walks over to my desk.
"Could you stand up and share with the class your homework for today?" she asks.
I nod, feeling a little nervous. Part of me still hesitates, but I know this is a challenge I must face. I stand up and walk to the board. Today's homework is about the traces of time—how memories, past events affect the present and future of each person. And I have a lot to share, though not all of it is easy to confront.
As I begin talking about the emotions and experiences I've had in the past, I realize something: no matter how painful those memories may be, they are part of me. And it is those memories that have shaped who I am today.
"Time cannot turn back," I begin, "but it always leaves traces. These traces might be pain, but they can also be lessons. If we accept the past, not to live in it but to learn from it, we can move forward."
The words come naturally, as if it were a reminder I wasn't prepared for. It seems that as I share with the class, I am also having a conversation with myself, confronting what has passed without feeling afraid or ashamed anymore.
I see the eyes of my classmates, some looking at me with empathy, others not quite understanding what I just said. But I don't need everyone to understand. I just need to understand myself. And in that moment, I don't feel alone anymore.
The sharing ends, and I return to my seat. It feels as if a door has opened within me, a door I never thought would be unlocked. I don't know what the future holds, but I know I can face it without fear.
After class, I stay behind in the classroom to reflect on what I've said. The feeling I have now is not relief, but determination. I know I've been through many hardships, but each step has taught me an important lesson. And I don't want to miss any of those lessons.
I want to keep walking this path, the path I've chosen for myself. It may not be easy, but I believe I can do it. I can overcome any challenge, no matter how deep the traces of time may be.
And as I walk out of the classroom, looking up at the clear sky, I feel a calm spreading in my heart. I know the days ahead will not be easy, but I am ready to face them.
I am no longer the frightened girl, no longer the one trapped in the memories of the past. I am me, a person who has learned to love myself and confront every challenge life brings. Every step, every decision, is part of the journey I've chosen.
And I know that with the traces of time, I will never lose my way.
After class, I walk outside, feeling the breeze brushing past me, carrying the scent of damp earth and a soft floral fragrance. The air today feels different, as if everything around me is changing, becoming fresher. I no longer feel pressure, no more waves of anxiety pressing down on me.
My footsteps echo on the stone floor of the hallway. My classmates are still gathering in groups outside, laughing and chatting. However, I no longer feel lonely. On the contrary, I feel like I've found an important part of life, a part that I've long neglected: the peace within myself.
As I walk across the courtyard, I see John standing alone under a large banyan tree, sunlight streaming through the leaves, casting shadows on the ground. He looks at me, and his bright brown eyes spark with something I can't quite explain.
"You did great," John says, his voice soft but full of confidence.
I feel surprised. I didn't expect him to notice me at this moment. His praise, though small, has a strength I cannot deny. I smile, not saying anything, just nodding. It seems there is an invisible connection between us, even though we still haven't said everything we need to say to each other.
"Thank you," I say after a moment of silence, not knowing if I have the courage to continue this conversation.
"No need to thank me. You've been through so much that no one else knows," John says, his gaze becoming deeper. He pauses for a moment, as if reflecting on things left unsaid. "In reality, everyone has their own pain that others can't understand."
I look at John, seeing the understanding in his eyes. It seems like we share a silent sorrow, even though neither of us wants to face it. The memories of the past, the struggles we've gone through, all have a way of embedding deeply into the heart, leaving lasting marks. I can feel that from the way he looks at me, from the words he says.
We stand there for a long time, not needing to say anything else. We both understand that sometimes, you don't need grand words to explain everything. Just the presence, just the gaze exchanged, is enough to know that you're not alone.
"If you ever need me, I'm always here," John suddenly says, his eyes filled with sincerity.
I look up at him, feeling a small light in my heart. Those words, though simple, make me feel warm. Perhaps life isn't always about searching for great things. Sometimes, it's enough to have someone by your side, listening and sharing.
I continue walking, feeling light and hopeful. John has left a feeling in me that I've never experienced before. A feeling as if I've found a support, a solid foundation in the storm of life. Even though we haven't said much, each action, each word from John carries a deep meaning that I can't fully express.
Back home, I begin my usual tasks. The feeling today, after school, is different from before. The homework, the books no longer feel like burdens, but seem to be new steps in my journey. I've learned how to love myself, how to face challenges, and not fear obstacles.
But deep down, I still have a lingering doubt. Is everything really okay? Am I strong enough to face what's ahead? These questions linger in my mind, keeping me in contemplation. But I know that even with these doubts, I must keep moving forward. Because only by continuing, can I discover everything I need to learn.
I remind myself: "I don't need all the answers right now. I just need to keep moving, step by step."
The feeling I have now isn't one of anxiety or fear. I've learned to live with the traces of time, with the memories that can't be changed. And with each trace, I am building a stronger version of myself, a person who can face any challenge life brings.
I believe that as long as I don't give up, I will find the right path. And perhaps, that path will lead me to a place of happiness, a place I never imagined when I was lost in the past.
The next day, I wake up with a different feeling. Even though last night I was able to think more freely about the issues in my life, this morning when I look into the mirror, I can't hide the sense of unease still somewhere in my heart. The memories, the choices, and the plans are still not completely clear.
Breakfast passes as quietly as usual. Mom has prepared the meal, and I sit at the table, but my mind can't focus on the food in front of me. I look at the familiar images in my breakfast: soft scrambled eggs, a plate of crispy toast, but everything seems faint in my mind. It seems that I'm searching for something different.
As Mom talks about her work, I listen without really paying attention, as if everything around me is fading. For the first time in my life, I feel like I am being pulled into a world that I can't fully understand. Thoughts about the future, the changes ahead, the decisions I will have to make in this short time, all of them make it hard for me to breathe.
Breakfast quickly ends, and I quickly gather my things and leave the house. Today, I have another new class, and I know that each day is an opportunity to change, to learn, to move forward. But deep inside, I can't forget John's words from yesterday. "If you need me, I'm always here." Those words echo in my mind like a reminder of the support I've never felt so clearly before.
Today's class feels busier than usual. Stories about exams, group assignments, and classroom issues seem like waves pulling me in. But in that moment, I feel like I'm isolated. Even though there are friends around me, I feel like something is missing. We are no longer in those simple moments of youth, moments without calculations, without pressure. The friends around me each have their own lives, their own worlds, which I can't fully comprehend.
John is one of those people I feel comfortable with, but there is still an ambiguous distance. He isn't like the other friends, always able to talk easily about everything in life. John seems reserved, but every time he speaks, it makes me think deeply. He always looks at things from a different angle, from a space I sometimes feel I can't reach.
Break time comes, and I step outside to get some air. The sunlight is still bright, but not as harsh as it was in the morning. The banyan trees are lush, their long shadows stretching on the ground, all as if telling me a silent story. I sit on a bench under the tree, close my eyes, and feel the atmosphere around me.
But the thoughts still wouldn't leave. My future is unfolding, but I can't see clearly the path I should take. I know I need to make decisions about what matters, but I still can't make up my mind. Anxiety rises within me, and I feel like I'm standing at a crossroads, where every choice could lead to unpredictable consequences.
"What are you thinking?" John's voice rang out, making me startle.
I opened my eyes and saw John standing in front of me, his eyes once again shining with concern. I didn't respond immediately, just stared at him for a moment. In that moment, I felt I could share my thoughts, but then I questioned if I had the courage to do so.
"I'm just overthinking," I answered softly, trying to hide the turmoil inside. "It's just… sometimes I don't know what to do next."
John sat down next to me, saying nothing but just listening. He didn't rush to give advice or ask too many questions. He simply stayed there, silent but not awkward. Sometimes, we don't need advice, just someone there, ready to share space and time, and that's enough.
"You'll figure it out," John said after a moment of silence, his voice full of trust. "Don't rush, everything will be clear when you're ready."
His words gave me a sense of comfort. Perhaps, I didn't need to worry so much. The future may not be clear, but at least I knew I wasn't alone on this path. Even with difficulties and worries, I could still keep moving forward. That feeling was a great encouragement.
When the bell rang, signaling the next class, I stood up and walked into the classroom, feeling lighter. I had found a bit of peace in the silent support from those around me. And perhaps, that was what I needed most right now: a bit of faith in myself and in those who would stay by me throughout the long journey ahead.
Although the day had ended with a lighter heart, that night, I couldn't escape the questions still swirling in my mind. Sometimes, comfort isn't enough to soothe the deep anxieties. I realized that I couldn't keep drifting through each day without facing the unclear things, the truths I had always tried to avoid.
The room was pitch dark, except for the steady light from my desk lamp. I sat on my bed, my eyes on the page of my book, but I couldn't focus. The feeling of unease kept circling in me, as if I were standing in a foggy sea, unsure of which direction to swim. Big decisions about the future aren't easy, and I didn't know what I was searching for. Jim's words, those words of encouragement, seemed not enough to erase the vagueness in my heart.
"I can't just stay here," I told myself. "I have to move forward."
And so, I decided to do something different. I took out my phone and opened a website to search for universities and programs in the U.S. This new sensation made me feel like I was on the brink of a new opportunity, a door opening in front of me. I couldn't keep messing around with the tangled thoughts in my head; I had to take a new step, even though it seemed unclear.
I started typing familiar keywords: "Scholarships for studying abroad in the U.S.," "Opportunities for studying after high school." A list of results appeared before me, with articles and stories from people who had succeeded and walked down this path. Even though I knew this was just the beginning, I felt a spark of hope in my heart. Maybe I didn't know where the road would lead, but at least I could see a glimmer of light.
But then, another feeling surged. I remembered my mom's words from breakfast: "If you want, I'll always support you, but you need to think carefully about what you want." Mom always gave simple advice, but filled with love. What she didn't say, though, were her worries about me. She worried that I might take an uncertain path, driven only by a fleeting feeling I didn't fully understand yet. I sighed and put the phone aside.
Wondering if I was doing the right thing, I decided to take a walk in the garden. Mom had planted large flower pots, and I felt peaceful every time I sat among the vibrant blooms. I stepped outside, feeling the fresh air in the evening. On nights like this, the cool air hitting my face made me feel more awake. Sometimes, the stillness of the night is what I need most to calm my soul.
John had said I'd find my way, and maybe that's true. But life's big roads aren't always easy to see. I'll have to learn to accept that I can't know everything right now. The future may be full of challenges, but it's those challenges that make life more interesting and worth living.
I stopped before a stone bench in the garden, sat down, and looked up. The moonlight filtered through the tree branches, and the leaves gently swayed in the breeze, creating soft sounds like the lullaby of the night. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Sometimes, all we need is a little time to feel, to truly sit with ourselves and listen to our hearts.
A sound behind me made me open my eyes. John was standing at the garden gate, looking at me with a focused gaze. He didn't say anything, just quietly walked over and sat beside me, not saying another word.
We sat there in silence, only the sounds of nature around us and our private thoughts passing through our minds. No one rushed, no one interrupted, just the presence of each other, enough to understand that sometimes, we don't need words to understand someone else's feelings.
Finally, John spoke, as gently as ever: "Do you want to talk about it?"
I didn't answer immediately, just quietly gazed at the stars in the sky. These were the things I wasn't ready to share, things I still needed to think about. But I knew, no matter how complicated life became, I wouldn't be alone. And somehow, John's presence at this moment was part of the answer I didn't yet understand.
"It's just…" I began, but paused, unsure of how to express it. "I think I still need more time to figure out what really matters."
John just nodded and fell silent again. We both understood that sometimes, there's no need to find an immediate solution. Time will answer everything.
The next morning, as the first light of day gently filtered through the window, I woke up with a strange feeling. Last night I had thought a lot, but the uncertainty still lingered, not fully gone. Today, I decided to take the time to face my own feelings, to stop running away. I couldn't keep circling around myself, searching for answers in those confusing days. Everything needed to be clear, and clarity also meant being strong enough to face difficult choices.
That morning, I didn't feel any fear. Though my heart was still filled with questions about the future, there was a strong urge within me that I couldn't ignore. I had to do something, I had to act. John was right, everyone has their own unique path. I couldn't just stand still, I couldn't keep fearing change. Life doesn't wait for anyone, and it doesn't allow anyone to step back. If I want to go somewhere, I have to go, even if it's hard.
I got out of bed, grabbed a notebook and pen, and sat at my desk. It was an old habit I'd often use when I wanted to think clearly about something. I wrote down my thoughts, not judging, not worrying about whether the words were perfect. Just writing it down to lighten my soul.
"What do I want to study?" I wrote the first question.
I paused for a moment, thinking about the past, about the dreams I once had. Ever since I was a child, I had always loved exploring new aspects of the world, untold stories. But gradually, as I reached adulthood, I became uncertain about my dreams. I had lost myself in the desires and expectations of others, not knowing what to do with myself.
I wondered if I had the courage to face the truth: could I become the person I wanted to be, or was I just dreaming about an unrealistic life? The truths I had been avoiding seemed to be getting clearer. And then, I realized that I had to do something to find my own path.
"International Business," I wrote down, then stopped. This was not an easy decision because this field required not only knowledge but the ability to cope with global challenges. Would I have the strength to pursue this? I couldn't answer right away, but at least, I knew I wouldn't stop. I had to learn more, keep finding out why I chose this path.
After a while, I continued writing. I wanted to find deeper reasons for my decisions. "Why International Business?" I asked myself. And immediately, a series of answers appeared in my mind. It was about connecting with the world, about working with people from different cultures, about a passion for building strong relationships. But most importantly, it was the desire not just to work for myself but to contribute to the development of a larger community, a country, or even the world.
I stopped writing and looked out the window, where the first rays of sunlight were filtering through the leaves, creating shimmering spots on the ground. I felt a strange connection with everything around me. Every day was a new opportunity, a small but important step forward. And no matter how many doubts I had, I wouldn't give up.
At that moment, I heard my phone ring. It was a message from John: "How are you? Are you okay?"
His messages were always simple, but they made me feel at ease. I sighed with relief and decided to reply, even though I wasn't sure I could express all my thoughts. I simply wrote: "I'm okay. Thanks for checking on me."
I picked up my phone and opened a few websites to learn more about U.S. universities, just like I had done last night. Suddenly, an idea flashed in my mind. Maybe this was just the first step in a long journey, but I felt a great strength beginning to form within me. I needed to find a way to face every challenge, even if it was difficult.
As I continued my research on schools, another question also occupied my mind: How could I overcome the fierce competition for scholarships? Why should it be me, when there are thousands of others who also dream the same dreams? This question kept swirling in my head, and I didn't have an answer right away.
Suddenly, I thought about my mom. She was the one who always encouraged me to keep trying, always said, "You have to believe in yourself, and then you'll find your way." She always believed in me, but I didn't want her to worry. I wanted to show her that I could stand on my own, that I could stand strong without anyone else's protection. Mom was the model of strength and resilience, and I wanted to make her proud.
Though I still had fears in my heart, unanswered questions, I began to feel something very clear: I couldn't just stand still. The future wouldn't come easily. I needed to act, even if it was just a small step. Sometimes, change starts with the smallest decisions.
I sighed, stretched, and decided to let go of the negative thoughts weighing on my mind. I would keep learning, taking one step at a time. Worries and fears might always exist, but I knew that as long as I didn't give up, I would reach my ultimate goal.
Even when everything still seemed unclear, I realized I wasn't alone on this journey. My loved ones, my friends, were always there for me, ready to offer support. And perhaps, that was the most important thing. When we have people who trust and support us, the road ahead may no longer seem so distant.
As the days passed, I gradually began to sense a change within myself. My mood was no longer as heavy as before, and the uncertainty had lessened somewhat. Although the questions about the future still remained, I began to face them instead of avoiding them. This change didn't happen suddenly but rather as a slow process, gradually weaving into my thoughts and actions. I realized that only I could create a difference in my own life.
Every day, I made time to learn more about International Business, about universities in the U.S., and the requirements for scholarships. Although I didn't always feel confident, I persevered. Each time I received new information, I wrote it down in my notebook, analyzed it, and made plans for each step. These small efforts gradually built a solid foundation for the future I was aiming for.
One late afternoon, while sitting at my desk, John called me. His voice was always warm and soothing, like a small flame in the cold night, and every time I talked to him, I felt a sense of peace in my heart.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
I smiled softly, feeling as though all the worries in my heart suddenly melted away. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for always checking in."
"That's good," John replied. "But don't forget to take care of yourself. Don't just focus on studying and exams, and forget to relax."
I smiled. John was always worried about me. In fact, he understood me well, knowing that I tended to put too much pressure on myself. That's why every time I spoke to him, I felt like I was being recharged.
"You're right," I replied. "I'll try to find a balance."
After the call, I looked at my notebook. Even though I had laid out many plans, I still felt like something was missing, as if there was a part of me that hadn't been set free, a part that I hadn't fully confronted. It was fear, anxiety about the decisions I had made, about whether I could achieve my goals. But I understood that every step was a lesson, and only by accepting the hardships could I grow.
That evening, I didn't study as usual. Instead, I decided to relax a little and watch a favorite movie. Although it was a simple act, it made me feel much lighter. I realized that sometimes, in life, we need to stop, take a deep breath, and let our souls find peace again.
The next day, I continued learning about scholarship programs, and I began to notice a change in how I viewed everything. It was no longer about uncertainty or worry, but a firm belief in myself. I believed that if I had enough determination, if I was willing to give my best effort, I would achieve what I wanted.
A week later, I decided to enroll in an intensive online English course. This was an important part of my plan, because I knew that in order to study at international universities, especially in the U.S., English would be the key factor. I wanted to improve my writing, speaking, and listening skills, not only to score high on tests but also to communicate and integrate better into the new environment.
With that determination, I began to feel like I was getting closer to my goal. Although there were still moments of fatigue, I never considered giving up. I knew that all my efforts would not be in vain. Even though the road ahead might be difficult, I was ready to face it.
One April afternoon, while sitting in my study room, John unexpectedly appeared at the door. He hadn't given me a heads-up, but when he saw me, he smiled and walked over.
"Are you studying?" John asked, his voice still as gentle as ever.
I nodded, though there was a slight unease in my heart. I hadn't expected John to show up at this time. "Yeah, I'm studying a little."
"I know you're very hardworking, but you also need to rest," he said, then took out a cup of bubble tea from his bag and placed it on my desk. "I thought you'd like this."
I looked at the bubble tea in surprise, then looked up at John. He just smiled warmly. "Take a break, okay? Working too much isn't good."
I felt warmer than ever. John's simple yet caring actions always made me feel that I wasn't alone on this journey. He was a friend, a companion, and most importantly, someone I could trust.
"Thanks," I said, smiling softly. "I'll take a break."
John smiled and sat down in the chair across from me. We didn't say anything else, just sat quietly together in the peaceful space, savoring the moment. Time seemed to slow down, and I realized that in life, it's not always necessary to push ourselves to fight. Sometimes, all you need is a friend by your side, a cup of bubble tea, and a quiet moment to find peace. Everything becomes easier.
Life isn't always easy, and not every question has an immediate answer. But I understood that each moment, each decision, was a step forward on the long journey I was on. Even if the road wasn't smooth, I would continue walking, with trust in myself and the people who loved me beside me.
I didn't know what the future held, but I believed that as long as I didn't give up, I would achieve the things I wanted.