Stories From Kiribati

It was early in the morning. The rain fell heavily. I was half awake enjoying the sound of the rain dripping onto the leaves of plants. I couldn’t go out to do my work. Silently, I did not realize that I was sleeping again. It was then that I had this lovely dream!

I was sitting, thinking about my whereabouts after leaving school. Then I saw my best friend approaching me. She seemed to have some interesting matters. When she arrived she just said,” Hey! Why are you sitting here all by yourself?”

I did not answer her and again she said,” I have good news for you.”

“Are you sure?” I responded showing that I was eager to know what the news was all about.

“Yes!” she answered, “I will let you know soon!”

“What? Come on friend; just tell me if it’s great news.” I begged her.

“I won’t! Unless you say yes and follow me!” she said stubbornly.

“Ok then lets go!” I agreed because I was really very curious.

“Let’s go then!” she smiled and looked away.

I followed her to a little shrub not very far from where I once sat. She stopped and told me to sit. I did not want to waste time; I sat down quickly as instructed and waited for her to tell me the great news. “Yesterday, I went to the Education Office to see our results. Guess what?” she paused to give me time.

“Yes go on!” I said with wide opened eyes. My heart started to beat unevenly.

“Wait! Just listen I have not finish my story yet!” she continued. I listened to her story till she ended. Then she looked at me with a sad face.

“What? I guess I did not pass!” I whispered so that no one could hear me.

“You didn’t do your work carefully!” she frowned,” That is why you got very high grades!”

“Were you serious?” I asked to confirm what went into my ears.

“Yes! You and I have passed our PSSC!” she hugged me.

I could feel the excitement running through my veins to all parts of my body. I couldn’t hold it back. It was so strong that it made its way out.

“Hey! Wake up, wake up! Look at you. You are crying!” shouted mother. I opened my eyes just to realize that I was crying.

“What is it all about?” asked mum curiously.

I responded with a smile on my face,” Nothing! It is just a sweet dream.”