Maria was a fifth grader and an average student. She was unusually curious for someone her age. She would want to buy different candies advertised on the television each day, and she’d also love to see a new view out of the window of her van, even though the route always remained the same. And most of those views ended in disappointing her, but some did fascinate her, as each time, she paid attention to different parts of the road which led to her school.

Rather chubby and a little bubbly, Maria had a charming personality and that was the reason why she didn’t have many friends. But the good part was, little Maria doesn’t miss a chance of socialising with all her classmates.

Whenever her mates would talk about anything, Maria would ask them what the discussion was about. Even though she mostly received annoyed eyerolls in return, some of her mates were kind enough to politely tell her about the topic. There were times when Maria would feel bad about the behaviour of her classmates, but her age being the one where a child usually mends their friendship with other children by all means possible, she never stayed away from her mates for long.

Since her school wasn’t that big or well-known, the activities there weren’t as grand as how they’d be in most elite schools. Every other day, some of the students were given square fee cards, slips with roughly torn-off edges, and whatnot through the principal’s office, right in the middle of the class. It did not happen by calling the student in the principal’s office itself. In a way, everything happened in the public eye. No harm could ever happen, right?

Maria, being herself, got quite curious as to what was mentioned in those slips, even if they didn’t belong to her but some of her good friends. Despite her being quite passionate about ‘finding things out’, she never really got a good look at either of those slips. Why? Because the slips always came in between ongoing lessons. After the lessons ended, she usually forgot to ask her friends about it.

All in all, the fantasy world which existed in her mind, made her believe that the slips contained some sort of restaurant coupon, a compact appreciation letter, or an invitation to a secret party. Yes, those were some of the thoughts that developed through little Maria’s curiosity.

One day, she sat with one of her good friends named Haya. She was a pretty and intelligent student, and she didn’t like to talk as much as Maria did. Half the day at school had passed when Maria realised the fact that Haya often receives those disproportioned edged slips.

Maria innocently smiled to herself and silently wished for Haya to receive the said slip that day, which will result in her finally finding ‘what it’s all about’. Her curiosity was finally going to get a definite answer and that was enough of a reason to make her glow with the widest of smiles.

It was the last period when the said slip made its way to Haya’s hands. Maria tried to get a good look at it, but miserably failed as the font size was too small and the slip was now folded in Haya’s right hand.

“Hey Haya?” whispered Maria to get Haya’s attention, to which Haya politely replied with a “Yes girl?” ending with a radiant smile on her face. Maria smiled and continued to ask the obvious.

“What is the slip about? Can I get a look at it?”

Haya’s smile was now gone and she almost silently uttered a “No, I am sorry” and continued to put the slip inside her backpack.

Taken aback and annoyed by the situation, Maria snatched the slip from the latter’s hand and quickly unfolded the slip. The excitement on Maria’s face washed away as soon as she read the words on the slip:

“PLEASE PAY THE FEES FOR THE MONTHS OF AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER BY THE 15TH OF NOVEMBER. IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, YOUR WARD’S ADMISSION WILL BE CANCELLED.

ATTACHED ARE THE FEE VOUCHERS FOR BOTH THE MONTHS, WITH INCLUSION OF THE LATE FEE CHARGES”

Maria’s eyes were wide with shock and she immediately felt bad at her action. Haya’s face was red due to the embarrassment she felt at that moment. Not only that, she was almost on the verge of crying. She softly asked Maria to return her slip, to which Maria silently obliged.

To say that Maria was feeling guilty, would be an understatement. She was practically drowning in guilt. She was trying to find words with which she could apologise to her friend.

The home-time bell had rung and Haya disappeared into the corridor before Maria had the chance to say anything.

Maria went home upset that day and shared the incident with her mother. She did feel light after sharing everything with her, but she felt even better when her mother used her own wisdom to make Maria understand about people and the problems that they never show.

“Always be kind to others, my dear. You never know who may be suffering from what kind of pain,” were the words that Maria’s mother softly spoke after listening to all that Maria had to say.

Maria hugged her mother and cried her heart out when she understood the pain of her friend, Haya.

“I promise, mum. I-I w-will apologise to Haya tomorrow. And I will also h-hug her!” Maria sobbed into her mother’s arms while her mother gently patted her on her back.

“You’re a pure person, my child. I am proud of being your mother,” were the words that Maria’s mother spoke to her before she went to sleep.

The next day, Maria met Haya and immediately went in for a bear hug. At first, Haya didn’t know what to do, but she eventually hugged her friend back.

Maria apologised countless times. “I will never, ever snatch anything from you. And I promise I’ll be a good and kind friend to you!” said Maria whilst hugging her friend. “I’ll always be here for you. You’ve all my support and help!”

That brought a huge smile onto Haya’s face. Haya forgave Maria even before they broke the hug. From that day, the duo became best friends and always hung out together. They’d go to the classroom together, would joke around when no one’s watching, they’d help each other with studies and they’d also meet on the playground in the evening.

The notice slip itself may have not proven to be a positive thing, but it did bring positivity, understanding, support and empathy within Maria. She became sensible after the incident. Not only that, it also made two little girls find their best and lifelong friend in each other!

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 17th, 2021