“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start the lesson with a question!

What qualities do you

think a potential world leader needs to possess that we've never had before?” Mrs. Walker’s
booming voice erupted at what might have sounded like a hundred decibels.
“I would also want the class to rethink yesterday’s discussion topics. I will be back in a while!”
Anderson’s hazel eyes were a blend of warm tones, fending off the cold, winter frost. It
glimmered under the flickering lights in the classroom, reflecting rebelliousness but showcasing
a heart of gold. His hair shone of dark, lustrous fine hardwood, gleaming as he straightened its
gelled strands. A light tan to his pale skin color, some freckles stained on his smooth face. His
weary eyes drooped down, revealing ripples under his eyes that were purplish-black.
The past few months had been an emotional rollercoaster for him, as well as his family, lots of
unexpected turns taking place. Their house, car and even their uncle was gone. He felt helpless,
taking nights to review the situation he was in.
He threw his bag that once slung on his left shoulder onto the chair that stood lifelessly on the
dark cement ground. Anderson flopped down in his seat, knowing that Mrs. Walker will
continue with her humdrum talk soon after.
He watched her step out of the classroom, the excessively noisy heels clacked against the
cemented floor whenever she took a step. Detached beats of her high heels bounced off the
dull-colored walls before gradually disappearing into the surrounding air. She left.
Ah! Finally, peace and quiet...
But there was something he had been wanting to do since the start of the term. Anderson
plucked up his courage and stepped forward.
“Hey, Crystal! Want to complete the upcoming project with me? I’m sure we’ll make a great
team!” Anderson tapped Crystal’s shoulder to gain her attention, “Please? I really want to work
with you!”
“I’ll think about it, don’t get your hopes up too high!” she shouted as Anderson was turning his
back.
The loud clatter of noisy high heels greeted in ears, from a distance, once again. Mrs. Walker
entered the classroom. Anderson clumsily stumbled back into his chair just as she stepped in
the classroom.
Her appearance looked a little different, but Anderson just could not put his finger on it. After
close observation yet futile attempts to find out what was wrong, he decided to put that matter
aside and focus on the more important things. Daydreaming. Mrs. Walker started the lesson,
Anderson sighed in boredom. Another boring term filled with incredibly useless lessons awaits.
To balance out the mumbling of his teacher and the chatter of his restless classmates, Anderson
found a way to distract himself. He swooped his vision across the classroom, setting his eyes on
a girl. Not just any girl, Crystal. Anderson stared at Crystal, not blinking once. Anderson watched
Crystal jolt down notes on the lesson, putting in her fullest attention in every lesson.
He observed her eyes, the deepest shade of blue blended with the color of the richest earth. It
seemed to remind him of the eyes of an arctic fox, which were scintillating in the night sky.
Black curls of hair flowed down her back like spilled water gracefully trickling down. She was
the smartest yet coolest girl in the class. Nothing, nothing rattles Crystal. That was probably
what draws people to her.
“Mr. Hall, mind to state some properties show that a person has positive leadership skills?
Please elaborate on your answer.”
“Um… they… they must have…” Anderson quivered, his legs trembling to keep still. His mind
suddenly went blank, all thoughts erased from his head.
“Ah! They need to have sparrows!” Anderson foolishly blurted out after catching a look at the
sparrow perched on the classroom window.
“Mr. Hall snap out of your daze.” Mrs. Walker bellowed, her voice like a foghorn. Mrs. Walker
reminded Anderson of an overgrown bamboo plant, its hollow shoot trumpeting noise that
could be heard from a thousand miles. She towered over Anderson, casting a wall of a shadow
on him.
“Visit my office after geography lessons!”
“But… but”
“No buts, I need to have a talk with you about this matter.
It was not something good.
“Mr. Hall, what do you think you were doing in my class? You should have been listening!” Mrs.
Walker’s ear-piercing reprimand sliced his hearing like thousand shards of broken glass, forcing
him to resort to blocking out the shrill by drilling earbuds into his ears frantically.
That, of course, made things worse. “What do you think you are doing? There is a limit to my
patience, a fine line between your safety and detention! Understand?”
“I am extremely sorry, Mrs. Walker. I tend to be easily distracted during your boring lessons as I
have an extremely short attention span.”
“What do you mean? How rude of you to talk back to me like that! Also, I have noticed that
your grades are getting from bad to worse, you are showing no signs of improvement over the
past few months.”
“I’m sorry Mrs. Walker, your lessons are undeniably boring, not a single strand of excitement in
the classroom.”
“There is no reason as to why you are behaving in such a manner! I suggest you concentrate
instead of doing other things when you should be paying attention!”
“I need to improve my skills to listen attentively! I can try that at home,” Anderson protested in
hopes to avoid detention.
“Well, why not practice that during detention? Report to class later this afternoon! Remember
that fine line I was talking about? It is broken! Talking back is an extremely rebellious act! I am
sending you to detention!” Mrs. Walker screamed, her usual deafening voice booming as loud
as ever.
Anderson Hall stepped out of the teacher’s office, shaking his head violently in disagreement.
He murmured to himself, what is wrong with this world? Even my teacher is against me!

“Mom, can I not pack the attic? That dusty, old place is probably packed to the brim with
hundreds of rats already. Out of all the chores in the world, I have to pack that attic. This isn't
fair, Scarlett get to fold the laundry, a much less tedious job!” annoyed shouts could be heard
reverberating throughout the house.
“What’s the point of cleaning the house ourselves anyways! Just hire a housekeeper to pack it!
We might even get injured in the process, look at the glass, just lying on the floor, waiting for its
chance to strike and injure someone!”
The brownstone apartment almost seemed dilapidated, deserted from the rest of the town.
The apartment did not feel anything an ordinary kid would want to live in. Tattered walls
illuminated coarse sunlight that filtered through the blinds. Light was scarce. The two-story
apartment seemed to have collapsed inwardly on itself, shards of shattered glass lying patiently
on the floors. It was definitely not a place any kid would want to live in.
Anderson thought about the old apartment they lived in. He remembered the inviting hallway
that greeted them when he opened the door. He missed the times they spent watching
television in the living room, the lively chatter of his family arising over the dramatic sounds
from the television. It was all gone now. The precious apartment was claimed by the town
council, their father left in a haste and worst of all, they moved into the current dusty, old
almost destroyed apartment across the street.
Every day when walking back from school, they would take a longing glance at what was once
their house, now a pile of debris. The construction site seemed to rip a part of their soul every
time they peeked at the piles of wood and wrecked cement that made up their previous house.
So many childhood memories, all lost to the hands of the ruthless banks.
The look on his father’s face upon receiving the message from the government was
unforgettable. The colour drained from his face completely, turning pale and lifeless. It was the
first time they ever saw him cry. Tears streamed down his chin, dripping onto the shirt that he
wore. It was a river of thoughts, forcing its way out of his head and enveloping him in an
enclosed ball of sadness. He barely managed to mutter, “It’s gone.”
That same night was rough for them. Their father sat on the couch, murmuring to himself,
“What type of parent am I? I can’t even provide an enjoyable childhood for my kids.” He
seemed to blame himself for not being able to support the family. Indeed, he had not seen that
coming, a bad decision could ruin a lifelong worth of time working and al the savings that had
been accumulated over those years. There was no use crying over split milk though, the
incident had already passed and there was nothing they could do to bring the past happiness
back for the time being
It was still a devastating blow for the family. That night changed their lives forever. It planted a
dark memory at the back of their heads, haunting them every now and then, reminding them
every time they walk past the ruins of their old house.
For now, they had to live with it. Nothing they did would change the past, only alter the future.
They had to live in harmony as a family and not let any setbacks destroy them. Knowing that
they had to stay strong, Anderson decided to not think about the incident any longer. He woke
from his thoughts. “But I still don’t think it’s fair that I clean the attic,” complaining as he walked
up the stairs.
The opposing reasons against cleaning the attic echoed throughout the narrow apartment.
Anderson reluctantly snatched up a broom and paced up the stairs. He scanned his
surroundings before sloppily walking up the stairs. Anderson muttered loudly under his breath,
purposely raising his voice when his mother walked past, “why do I always get the bad chores?”
Upon hearing the displeased comment, Anderson’s mother shot him a stern look. If looks could
be translated to words, this one would say, “I am your mother and you do what I say, no buts…”
Anderson knew what that meant. He did not have a choice. He plugged in the earpiece as pop
music blasted into his ears. That was the only way of surviving a chore.
Lethargically, he walked up the stairs and positioned the broom. The door to the attic was
dented with chipped brown varnish. A brass safety chain dangled at the side of the door as
Anderson slammed it open. Creaking sounds emerged, bringing an icy chill to his spine.
Anderson pouted in disgust after taking a glance at the poor shape the attic was in. Anderson
stepped into the attic, a thick layer of dust sat silently for years, finally disrupted by Anderson’s
footsteps. Strolling around the room, he lamented about the condition the attic was in, hoping
that some miracle would happen to clear the mess that stood before his eyes.
The apartment was their uncle’s. It was his oldest house. Their uncle loved to crack hilarious
jokes, telling stories of their wildest imaginations and explaining history in a totally different
way. Others may think that he was mad. But they could picture every word he said — it was
magic. Their uncle was the best person they had met. But he was gone. Forever.
Anderson soon found himself coughing and sputtering from all the dust that rose from beneath
his feet. Anderson sat down, dust spreading across the room once he contacted the ground.
Memories flooded his dull, empty mind like an unsuspected tsunami rushing down the coasts of
a deserted beach. Memories were broken, shards that were rising from the depths. Those
memories that he tried to bury deep in his mind, trying hard not to remember any of those
tragic moments they had faced as a family. He just couldn’t stop it. Watching all the sad
moments arise in his head one at a time allowed him to reflect. The more he thought, the
stronger those hurtful thoughts slashed him. A knife stabbing him in his softest, weakest part —
heart.
Anderson’s eyes gave way as currents of tears crept its way down his cheeks. He could feel the
sadness, flowing into his veins, engulfing his entire being. Grief penetrated through every cell as
it inched to reach the ground beneath. Their uncle just seemed to have vanished. Disappeared.
He seemed to have ceased from existence, not leaving any way of remembrance behind.
“Are you alright? You seem upset about something,” his sister’s voice suddenly exploded from
behind.
“I’m fine Scarlett, there’s no need to worry.”
“I don’t think so. It looks like you’re sniffling from back here.”
Anderson brushed his arm gently along the curves of his eye, removing the tears that have once
formed. He then replied, “I’m okay. It’s just the dust that seems to be crawling into my eyes. No
need to fuss over it.”
“Don’t you dare to lie. I’ve known you all my life, there isn’t anything you can hide from me!”
Scarlett ran towards her brother. Well, there was a lot of things she did not know about her
older brother. Almost nothing was ever mentioned to her.
Scarlett was kind and thoughtful towards everyone around her, wanting to comfort her brother
as she knew he was weeping. Scarlett was Anderson’s younger sister; their age gap was around
two years. Scarlett had a distinct feature. A birthmark that resembled a clover — a four-leaved
clover, on her left arm. She stepped from the shade into the light that was filtering through the
old, aged blinds. Her hair was chestnut brown, a hint of crimson red hovering in the silky,
layered hair. Her cold, still brown eyes contrasts as a total opposite compared to her lively and
energetic character.
“This was our grandpa’s apartment, our dad lived here when they were young. Why does it feel
so familiar to be back in this apartment? It is only the third time since we visited three years
ago. Scarlett, answer me.”
“It can’t be, dad is still in London. What makes this place feel familiar to you?” Scarlett paused
for a moment to pat her brother on the back, “Keep calm, bro. I think it’s just a figment of your
imagination. Don’t worry too much.”
“The feeling of being in this house just keeps beckoning my mind to illustrate the past times I
was here.” Anderson spoke softly, recollecting his thoughts, “But those pictures I thought of in
my head were never real! I have never ever experienced those memories before.”
“Just cool down bro. There is no need to be agitated.” Scarlett patted Anderson on the back,
signaling for him to calm down.
Anderson viewed the surroundings, a wave of relaxation rubbed against his thoughts as the
sadness slowly dispersed until a complete halt. Those complex emotions that circulated through
him gradually decreased and soon after, stopped. The attic was silent, a pin drop could be heard
from a distance. Noise seemed to be blocked out, an invisible soundproof dome barricading the
noise. Peace was all the siblings could think of at that point in time. They had a ton of thoughts
to process, thoughts that were once flushing through their heads.
Suddenly, a familiar ringing tone could be heard from below, interrupting the silence. The tone
resembled a broken voice recorder that played a terrible melody.
“It’s my cell phone! Don’t go anywhere! By the way, please help to pack the horrid mess.”
Anderson hurried down the stairs, calling out to his sister.
A wave of nervousness rushed through Anderson when he took a look at the phone. It was
Crystal. His shock was dimly registered on his face. A small smile slid its way around his face as
he quivered to pick up the phone. It was clearly a surprise who the caller was. Anderson didn’t
know whether to be elated, or the total opposite.
“Hi Anderson, I’m Crystal. For the upcoming assignment, can we complete it together next
week? Let’s meet up at the Central Town Library. Hope you can come!”
Those words were barely processed in his head as he blurted out, “Of course, Chrystie. I mean…
Crystal,” Anderson stumbled in attempt to pronounce her name correctly. His smile broadened,
blooming like a spring flower, happiness contained till it burst out with excitement. He could
feel the warmth rush through him, not pausing for a single moment. Crystal asked him out.
“Thanks Anderson, I will be there at around five, next Saturday,” Crystal replied, a splash of
excitement in her voice. “Stay around after we’re done, is that fine with you?”
“It’s fine Crystal, though I can only stay for a while.”
“Great, I only need a few minutes! Bye, have a good day Anderson!”
“You too!”
Anderson put down the phone. Every step he took, fluttery butterflies wounded up in his
stomach, not nervousness, but happiness. His eyes curved till a line as thin as a string of thread,
his smile broadening till it was curved, an upside-down arch of a rainbow. It was amazing to
even hear Crystal was asking him out.
Prancing up and down the staircases, happiness was illustrated all over his face. But as soon as
he reached the attic, a frown suppressed. “Why! The attic is so dirty!”
Patting dust off her dress, Scarlett strode out of the attic. She caught sight of his blushing face,
red as a ripe apple. Scarlett teased her brother.
“Ha! Why are you blushing?” she shouted, almost like she hit the nail on his head. “Must be
something good, care to share?”
“No, privacy is the best policy, haven’t you heard of that idiom?” Anderson smirked, “It was
announced during assembly this morning! Finally, you weren’t listening!”
“I beg to differ. The idiom Mr. Davis announced was…”
“Don’t be silly, the idiom was privacy is the best policy” Anderson rudely interrupted her
speech.
“Actually, it was, honesty is the best policy. You weren’t even paying attention.”
“What? Argh… You always win these arguments, whatever.”

Anderson straightened his collar, pacing back and forth. Glaring at the radiant shine reflecting
off his shiny black boots, he anxiously trotted around the gates of the library.
Anderson was so engrossed in coming up with scenarios and greetings that he lost track of
what he was doing there in the first place.
He stuffed his hands into the tight pockets of his jeans, hoping to look casual yet presentable at
the same time.
The sweltering heat of the mid-August sun baked the decorative tiles that orderly laid the
ground. Fallen leaves layered over each other on the ground, a dusk colored blanket covering
the floor. Sitting on the old wooden bench, the smell of rotting oak wood escaped from crevices
in the bench, Anderson could feel the soul of Autumn creeping its way slowly, lingering like
ghosts. In broad daylight. He curled the thin ends of his overcoat, gently swaying it, producing
some wind to cool himself down.
“Hey! Anderson! Sorry, I’m a little late,” a shadow appeared from behind. The dark shadow
emerged from the hedge. Her voice was instantly recognizable, that pinch of cheerfulness in
her words.
Crystal skipped over to Anderson, stacks of books piled up on her hands. The several hundred
pages of words were a daze to Anderson as he could barely read his textbook without falling
asleep.
“It’s ok Crystal, I just arrived not long ago anyways.”
“I’m very sorry to keep you waiting!” Crystal replied apologetically, an innocent look on her
face. “Let’s head into the library, we should be starting on the project.”
Rows of books were lined neatly on the bookshelves, their spines facing outwards. Columns of
bookcases stood along the library, an enchanting scent of vanilla were offered by the old,
almost ancient books. Anyone that stepped into the library could feel a sense of mystery, magic
hovering in the air. Anderson almost felt stories coming alive, characters pictured in the empty
space of the main hall.
“Woah! That is so cool.” He hollered like a trumpeting horn, the blaring sound even masking
the noise of the jackhammer drilling the floor.
Silence fell upon the room.
“What happened now?”
Crystal shot him a look that eyed his conscience.
“I was definitely not the one who was talking louder than the noise of the noisy jackhammer, I
would never do such an inconsiderate act.”
The same look fell upon him once again.
“I understand now, maybe I said that a little too loud.”
The staring still continued.
“Ok, I admit, that was a little louder than what it sounded like in my head.”
The staring did not stop.
“Um… why not let’s go on with the project and put this extremely awkward conversation to an
end?”
“Ok, Anderson. As long as you apologize to these citizens who were abruptly interrupted by our
loud exclamation.”
“Never… never…”
Anderson shook his head as a thought came to his mind, “Um… ever would I not listen to such a
nice girl.”
Hours flew by in the blink of an eye.
“Ah… Anderson I’m really tired, we should take a break and grab something to eat.” Crystal
said, unable to hold back her yawn.
“Yup, I’m quite bored reading these books too. I’ll go get some sandwiches for dinner, would
you like that?” Anderson suggested.
“Great idea! Meanwhile, I shall finish up the protocol for our presentation.”
Anderson nodded his head in agreement, before walking to the door.
Upon stepping out of the library, a chilly gust of wind crashed in his chest, engulfing his entire
being in the frosty, eerie dome of air. The blasts of wind greeted the concrete tiles, creating a
soft susurration of the leaves that sat calmly on it. The once calm leaves rustled and flew in
different directions, as though the winds caused a huge stir. The chilled air carried a renewed
feeling opposing that of before.