On that day, her clothes were ripped, but she faced the harsh cold wind defiantly. Word by word, she warned her bullies, “If you hurt me, this won’t end here. I’ll report it to the school, and if the school does nothing, I’ll take it to the town education bureau. If they don’t handle it, I’ll escalate it to the county, then the city. I’ll ensure you face consequences!”
Bullies often picked on those they perceived as weak. They saw Raegan as an easy mark because she had no parents to stand up for her. Back then, Raegan just had a frail grandmother and an indifferent uncle who wouldn’t cause a fuss.
However, Raegan was well aware of this tactic. Understanding she couldn’t count on anyone but herself, she resolved to stand up to the bullying.
Raegan’s resolve frightened the bullies away. But as they left, one of them, not quite ready to back down, intentionally kicked Raegan’s school bag into the river, sarcastically remarking, “Oops, didn’t see it there. Your bag was in the way.”
That school bag held Raegan’s newly received textbooks and a set of practice books from the teacher. Nobody else valued them, but to her, they were invaluable. She remembered precisely that the practice set cost $72.8. That amount was equivalent to her family’s living expenses for a year, a sum beyond reach.
The school assumed that with the scholarship money Raegan received annually, covering the $72.8 wouldn’t be an issue.
What the school didn’t know was that Raegan’s uncle had taken the money her grandmother had saved for her college education.
The school had been supportive of Raegan. She felt she couldn’t ask for more without feeling embarrassed.
And her grandmother, feeling guilty for not being able to provide the needed money, fell sick. Even while feeling sick, her grandmother would collect empty plastic bottles to sell, saving every penny she could.
The teacher realized Raegan hadn’t bought the new textbooks but didn’t make a big deal out of it, instead giving her the practice books left over from other students. The practice books were practically new.
Raegan was over the moon, eager to show her grandmother so the latter wouldn’t have to pinch pennies any longer. She believed she could earn another scholarship next year.
However, that glimmer of hope seemed to be swept away with the current. What was easily attainable for some was a significant obstacle for Raegan.
Without a second thought, Raegan rolled up her trousers, r
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates…
emoved her cotton jacket, and stepped into the river to get her school bag back.
The frigid water sent shivers down the spine of the 13-year-old.
The school bag, weighed down, had settled at the river’s bottom.
Raegan had to search blindly, bit by bit, to locate it.
The river, deeper than a meter, came up to Raegan’s neck. She used a stick to help find her school bag. With great effort, she managed to retrieve it. Her backpack was finally in her hands again.
Ignoring the wet sweater and her bare feet, she unzipped the bag, only to find the practice books soaked and beyond salvage.
The ink had smeared, and the pages were stuck together, beyond help even after drying.
Raegan stood there, motionless, her gaze fixed on the damaged practice books. She felt silent for what seemed like forever.
To her, they were more than just some practice books. It symbolized her teacher’s expectations for her, a chance to change her future, and a golden opportunity provided by fate for those who worked hard.
Raegan, wise beyond her years, quietly bore her struggles, mindful of her grandmother’s sacrifices. She was always cheerful, never Letting her smile fade.
Yet, at that moment, she found it impossible to stop her tears, even as she tried to keep her head up. She had put in so much effort…
She couldn’t grasp why those who work the hardest often face the most challenges.