By Tirzah, Indian High School, Dubai, UAE
“Are you really that bored or is staring at people just a hobby of yours?” I asked the blue-haired lady who couldn’t keep her eyes off me as if I was some sweaty animal trying hard not to pass out which I was but still,
“Yelling your fellow cadet isn’t going to make those dumbbells hang on air either you lift’em or I’m going to make you do 50 times again” Mr. Grumpy called over his shoulder while talking to Papri.
“And yelling at me isn’t going to make them go any faster,” I whispered. I doubted he would even hear me under my loud panting breath. Sweat beaded my forehead as I tried to regain my energy from all the extensive training, I had undergone the last few days.
Usually, this would be my day off but instead, I’m here regretting my life choices. I never should have taken that mission from Kronos but at the same time I wish I had never met them in the first place, they manipulated me and treated me as if I was a pawn in the game, originally when I joined Kronos one of the most elite and dangerous organizations which helped to do good for ‘others’ instead was an intricate plan of theirs to only benefit themselves.
I was assigned to the stealing plan which was supposed to help them but instead, I got captured and had a huge urge to destroy Kronos unfortunately for some reason that’s not what the DH stands for and as repayment for taking me in I was supposed to follow the same. Their whole ideals on service and democracy along with speech on how Round Square is not a square that’s round which I beg to differ, but on how to actually have an impact on others. Sadly, the only impact I have is my sore muscles.
“What do you think you’re doing” Mr. T came into my view looking annoyed,
“Taking a break,” I said lying on the floor exhausted from the training.
“I’m talking about your life,” he said exasperated.
I scoffed in irritation “My life…” I got up, my anger sizzling “Just a few days back I was told I spent my life doing the very thing I despise, thinking it was the right thing, and you expect me to turn my entire thought process-my attitude-my values in just a day” I screamed at him, feeling like a weight lifted off a chest.
Then I brought my eyes to meet his, his blond hair and superior exterior looking down at me as if I was some small insect on his bright red shoes, He is one of the most respected and talented people on the DH and I just screamed my lungs out at him.
“How do you feel,” He asks in a kinder tone,
“How do I feel being lied to my entire life, I’ll tell you from experience- it’s not fun”
I started walking away from him but of course, he followed. “Turn around Nida” I stopped, the hairs on my neck took up, It was the first time he’d ever called my name. I turned around slowly “Yes, Sergeant T” I answered feeling helpless to escape the upcoming lecture, “Do you why they call me T” He asked calmly.
“T- for Terrible,” said sarcastically,
“It stands for tenacious “He continued as if he hadn’t heard me.
“Right now you feel disappointed in yourself – you feel absolutely useless and I’m not your therapist to help you work out your feelings, I’m your mentor,” he said letting those words sink in “A mentor especially me isn’t going to help get back on your feet after you fall instead they teach you how to get back up by yourself. You are going to fall countless times but what you are not going to do is stay down.” He looks at me deeply as if trying to convey something of deeper meaning
“To achieve anything for yourself you have to do it BY YOURSELF” Now, that hit hard.
He started walking away leaving me reeling in his words but before leaving “Even when you found out the truth, you never gave up I admire that,”
He turned his head to me giving me a small smile,
“Continue never giving up” and walked away from me but not before he saw me break into a smile.
Ten years later
I was watching the newest cadets trying their hardest to scale the wall “Fix your grip before gravity does its thing” I yelled,
“You know, they’re going to hate you more for that, Nida,” Suki said while trying to hide her smile “What’s the fun in being nice,” I asked raising my eyebrow, she laughed shaking her head, “I think his sarcasm has rubbed off on you”
I held my hand to my heart “I’m offended you could say such a thing, next thing you know you’re going to call me a side kick” I joked “Well you are” She pointed out “Were” I replied showing off the shiny metal on my chest,
She flicked it “Never-give up Nida” she read out “Suits you” She smiled brightly but I could see just a touch of sadness in his eyes “I wish Tino were here too,” “He would have been proud to see you become a Discovery Hero” I smiled sadly reliving his memory, but he made me become who I am today and I couldn’t have been more grateful.