Dear Journal (Discovery of New Island)

Dear Journal,

      This was our first day on this island. After making sure we’re in the Eastern Brazil (on the map), we roamed deeper into the forest and found some living being.

At first glance, they had dark skin. The adults wore big leaves which covered parts of their body. The younger kids were just naked. They looked just like the primitives in the books. We hid behind the thick trees quietly, watching them. Some of them might have noticed something over here at where we’re at but didn’t seem to worry. The people were calmly sitting outside their tents ----- at least that’s what they looked like ----- and hanging out. Most of them were seniors, women and children. I only saw a few men who were short and weak. Don’t they have men here? I wondered. Well, if that’s so, it isn’t good.

      We made gestures with each other and a few of us went closer silently. I was breathing hard and wished they wouldn’t hurt us. We walked toward them and some of the kids saw us. They poked their mothers several times and pointed at us. I felt like we were a group of invaders. The mothers stood up immediately and stood in front of their kids. A small man blew the horn that he grabbed that hung on a tree. It wasn’t very loud but I was on my nerves. One of us suddenly yelled at them to calm down but they didn’t seem to understand. They ran around. Suddenly, a group of big people appeared behind the trees. They were on their feet running and all of them were strong and tall. There were several teenagers who were not as strong or tall. However, they were holding body pieces of a creature. I assumed that they went hunting and the younger ones were helping the adults out while learning. In a few seconds, they surrounded us and pointed their weapons at us. A man came up to us and yelled something at us that I didn’t understand. I immediately knew he was the leader. He is strong and big. He wore an animal skin on his neck like a scarf. None of us talked but just looked at him. I didn’t know what to do, so I dropped my backpack and the rest of my people followed. Then the hunter group backed off and the leader started to talk. I didn’t understand so I stood up stupidly and pointed at myself then the others. “Canadian,” I said. The leader stared at us and pointed at himself and his people, “Bah-Lye-Geon,” he said. I believe they were the Balygeon then. I smiled a little and reached out to grab our bags. Then he suddenly yelled and pointed his spear at me. His people suddenly followed and pointed us with their weapons too. The women hid behind the men and the children hid behind the women. They peeked to look at us silently above the men’s shoulders. We put our hands up naturally and walked backwards as they came closer and closer. I realized they might be trying to get rid of us from their campus. They stopped walking when we’re ten metres far from them.

      We had no choice but turned and ran back to our ship. Gladly they didn’t follow because we have no chance of winning them in running. We finally arrived at our ship as the night fell. The team decided to try again tomorrow.

Dear Journal,

      This was our second day. I was really tired but excited.

      We grabbed our camera and headed to their campus. Their leader was sitting with a woman. They were chatting in their own language. They saw us and he took up and walked toward us. We put our hands up and put our bags down slowly. Then I smiled at him. I wanted to show that we’re nice people. He just stood and watched. Suddenly he smiled too and laughed out loud. He yelled something in his own language to his people and laughed again. I don't think he thinks we’re dangerous. He backed off and walked back to the woman there and started chatting casually again. We looked around and decided to check out the stuff they got. They lived in several big tents. The tents were made of woods standing diagonally on left and right and forming a tip on the top. They are long and narrow. However, they were no higher than 1.5 meters. There were four to five big beds inside which were made of dry branches and big leaves. They lay the bigger branches closer to the ground and smaller branches closer to their bodies. Then they had left some big rainforest leaves on the branches to cover up the branches. I assume several families share a tent and one family shares a bed.

There were decorations carved on the trees around their campus. They all had different patterns and shapes. Some of them, I supposed, are trees, and some others were themselves hunting animals. They also drew things on rocks with paint, which I think, were made from powder of specials rocks. I was impressive by their special drawn patterns and carved shapes.

We did not cause any trouble for them that morning, so I believe them accept us as ‘friends’.

In the afternoon, we had lunch by ourselves while the tribe made soup with insects and leaves. It actually smelled pretty good. While they were eating, two of the kids came up to my friend and took a piece of canned meat from him. We laughed quietly as the kids showed no appreciation. They ate happily and their moms smiled at us.

At night, they had a party. We were invited to enjoy the party while sitting by the leader and his woman. They had a variety of food. There was ‘insect salad’, ‘legs (of wild animals)’, ‘random veggie’ etc. Some of them are delicious, but some are disgusting. The women danced for the men who sat and ate meat. The women had graceful moves and danced softly. Some of the younger teenagers were making music while hitting the thick stump. They even invited my female friends to dance. They danced hip-hop and had fun. We, the men, were watching and laughing. Then the women sang and some men sang as well. Sorry to say this, but they were definitely out of tone. Well, we can’t judge them because they’re not as smart as us, the modern human. However, their tone didn't seem to matter, because the others looked like they enjoyed it. At the end, when the moon was bright, we all danced by the fire. Some of the women took our hands and danced with us. Some of the strong boys invited our ladies. My partner and I tried to chat. However, it didn't work out so well. She had no idea what I was talking. Neither did I understand her. ;) Anyway, that night passed fast. Some of us fell asleep in the middle of the party and I soon fell asleep too.

Dear Journal,

      This is the third day. I still remembered exactly what happened yesterday. That was probably the best experience I ever had in my whole life. I woke up this morning in a wooden house. After waking up fully, I realized I was in a tent. It looked so much more beautiful from the inside than from the outside. No one is in bed other than my crews.

      I went outside and saw the ladies on my team were playing mud and sand with the little kids while their moms watched peacefully. We waved at the leader and I think he was inviting us to go hunting with them. I called the girls but the leader immediately shook his head hard. I remembered no women were allowed hunting so I explained it to them. So we had to leave the girls with the moms and kids.

     

      I took a spear which is similar to the one the leader’s got and was ready to get some animals down. I followed quietly and so was my team. Also, some of the people from the tribe came with us. The rest of the hunters were going somewhere else I believe. We traveled to somewhere that was not dense with foliage and saw an okapi. It was eating fungi which grew on a tree. I looked at the leader who kneeled beside me and he made a gesture of silence. I looked at the others. They were quiet and calm. Suddenly, a young man threw his hatchet toward the okapi and missed! The okapi found itself in danger and ran. The leader whispered something loud and a middle aged man shot the okapi four times in its leg, stomach and head. The leader ran and we all followed. We saw the okapi slowed down and fell, blood streaming down. I was sort of sad but the team was excited. They ran to it and one of them made sure it’s dead. After the okapi was cut into a few smaller pieces, the team carried the bloody body parts on their shoulders. The leader walked to that young man who did not look bothered and rewarded him a pat on the shoulder. I was impressed because it seemed like he was proud that the young man tried. He later walked to the middle aged man and talked happily.

      After a few rounds of successful hunts, when we were about to head back, we saw another tribe wearing the mostly same thing as this tribe I’m with. They greeted and talked. They spoke the same language and were nice with each other. This reminded me of the Mongolians. The Mongolians had different tribes and each tribe lived separately. Then I wondered if they’re like the Mongolians, do they have a king too?! That scared me a little but I let it go. The tribe introduced us and they were so passionate that it made me feel shy.

      We went back with food. Some women were so excited that they took the meat immediately to clean the meat. Time passed fast and it was dark already. We ate fondue in a huge pot with the meat and leaves. Everyone just grabbed whatever they wanted from the pot by scooping using branches. They were hungry, I could tell. I ate a lot too. I no longer cared about germs or anything, because, honestly, it was delicious. We went back to our ship to rest even though they invited us to sleep with them. We didn't want to disturb them too much so we determined to go back to our own place. Tomorrow is the last day we’ll be here. I was kind of sad when I think about it.

Dear Journal,

The tribe took us into a deep cave that morning and I learned their religion. We sat in the cave silently in front of a stone table as they did. They weren’t doing anything but sitting there. I thought they might be praying but I wasn’t sure. Then a granny came out from the deeper cave. She was wearing animal skin and jewelry made from rocks and leaves. The tribe saw and kneeled down like she was a goddess. The leader was talking politely to her with his head down. He introduced us and she ignored. Then the leader hurried the men to sacrifice an okapi for her and she stood beside us. She used her branch to touch our heads and mumbled. The tribe bowed again to show appreciation for her blessing and left. I couldn’t believe this tribe is worshipping an old woman who is simply just one of them as a goddess. I see that this woman is smarter than them and used her intelligence to get food (sacrifices). However, I didn’t want to destroy part of their culture so I kept it to myself.

      Back at their camp, we were ready to leave. The women and kids only spent yesterday together with my female teammates, but they’re already sobbing dramatically. Even the leader almost cried. He took my hand and patted me on the shoulders. I see that even though they’re tough people, they’re really emotional. They have nature of hunters but are thoughtful and caring.

      We headed to our ship and they were waving goodbyes. I felt so loved and warm with the memories. We left with a lot of photos and information. We will surely come back to visit them again someday with bigger mission. 

Theseus and the Minotaur

My name is Theseus. I am the prince of Athens. My father, King Aegeus is the King of Athens, sends seven girls and seven boys every seven years for the Minotaur of Crete to avoid battles with King of Crete, the powerful and selfish King Minos, as a deal. Minotaur is a monster, son of a human, son of a bull. I was enraged at the deal and how my father is so afraid to stand up to King Minos. So I, instead, stood up as a sacrifice to kill the Minotaur because my father could not persuade me to not to leave him. He was depressed and upset but I did not care. I desperately wanted the sacrificing deal to end.

      I got to Crete with the others and saw the princess of Crete, Ariadne. Princess Ariadne is beautiful. Her eyes shine with excitement but her emotions on her face are peaceful. She sat in her chair decorated with diamonds and gold but her beauty was undefeatable comparing to the jewelries. She is attractive as the sun in the wide, blue sky. The flowers smile and bloom when they see her. She is calm as the full moon at night. The poets sigh in bliss when they write about her. I was amazed by her beauty and forgot to kneel before her. As she stood up and came to me, I woke up from my day dream and knelt before her. However, our gaze still locked.

      “You are the prince of Athens.” She sounded shocked.

      I smiled and said, “Yes, I am.” Suddenly, remembering the mission I am on and the reason I came here, I put my smile away, and continued, “Theseus.”

      “Why are you here?”

Her move was so graceful I forgot how to talk. I shook my head and looked at the ground, “To kill the Minotaur.” Speaking of this, my heart began beating fast again. I will not fall in love with the princess of the evil and perverted King of Crete, I thought.

She smiled and laughed, covering her mouth. Then walked away.

The next day, the seven girls and boys were gathered in front of the gate of the labyrinth where the Minotaur was trapped.

King Minos asked, “Who would like to go first?”

I did not hesitate and answered, “of course, I will. I am the prince of Athens. I will go first.”

King Minos laughed dramatically and replied, “I admire your bravery and determination, but you will be chewed into pieces in a while.”

I suddenly caught Princess Ariadne looking at me, desperation showing apparently through her gaze. She came to me close and whispered while stuffing something into my shirt, “Tie this to the gate when you are inside. Come back for me. Bring me with you when you are back.” She gave me one last smile and walked away.

      I hardened my heart and told myself I would not be fooled by her outer beauty that simply covers up her evil nature like her father.

      I went into the labyrinth and took out the fluffy object Ariadne put in my shirt. I realized it is a ball of string. I tied it to the gate according what she told me and began my journey to the centre of the labyrinth. I was cautious and nervous.

      After thirty minutes, I felt something furry. I alerted and knew it was the Minotaur. It moaned at me. It was loud and raucous. It was dark but I hopped its back successfully. I grabbed onto its long fur and tried to climb up to its head. I finally caught his horn while it jumped up and down, trying to shake me off. It stopped jumping. I thought it was tired. So I used my bare hand to wipe away the sweat on my forehead. Suddenly, I felt it jumped almost to the ceiling. I had to let go of the horn. My life flashed in front of my eyes. Suddenly, I caught the other horn. Phew… That was close. After a while sitting on the Minotaur’s head, being shaken, I was almost out of energy. However, fortunately, the Minotaur seemed tired as well. While it was slowing down, I got held of the other horn and pulled. The Minotaur moaned loudly. I used all my energy. I tried twisting its head by its horns. Crack… Crack. Crack, crack, crack. The Minotaur moaned louder. Hearing its crying, I felt sad for it. Being locked in this prison for forever. Unable to die. No light. No hope. No food. I felt my hot tears rolling down my cheeks. The Minotaur’s crying was less and less clear. I suddenly realized Ariadne was right. I did the right thing, to kill the Minotaur, to end its misery. Gradually, I gained more power by pitying him, wanting to end his tragic life for him. “Shhh, shh. It’s ok,” I whispered. Feeling the Minotaur relaxing, I continued calming it, “Good boy.  It’s ok. Go to sleep.” Giving it one last twist, crack. It stopped moving and fell to the ground softly. I knew now. Even though it looked like a crazy bull, it had a human heart. It was King Minos that totally destroyed its human nature by locking him in this dark place, giving him no care or love. I bawled out loud beside this dead creature, releasing all my pity for it and anger for the King.

      I found the thread and went out of the labyrinth. I pretended to be proud and powerful, covering the extreme depression in the inside. I saw Princess Ariadne running towards me, yelling into my face happily and hugging me. I did not even care about what she said. Her father is a demon. The real demon. She must is evil, too. Like father, like daughter, right? I pretended to be joyful to see her again. However, I knew I have no love for her anymore, because I knew, even though she is so appealing, it is all fake and empty. She took me to my boat, and told me she was going to come to Athens with me, like I promised. No, I cannot take her to Athens. She is a devil, I thought. So I told her to get some bread for me. She went away quickly, didn’t know I suckered her. I cut the rope that connects my boat to the deck and left alone.

      I had so much to think about that I forgot to change the black flag on my boat to white ones as my father commended me. I suddenly remembered what he said, “If you success, change the flag of your boat to white.” However, I was already so close to Athens. I looked up at Athens and saw a person falling off the edge. No, please no. I thought. I knew who it was. After pedaling so hard toward the place where he landed, I saw it. The body floating. I swam to it and saw his face. Father. Don’t die. I’m right here. I thought. Trying to bring him back to life is impossible now. It’s too late. For the second time, I bawled. 

Inspiration from this Volleyball Season

Inspiration from this Volleyball Season

My dad always says, "Participation and effort can lead you to unbelievable results." I finally realized how true it is from this volleyball season.

Good morning, teacher and fellow students,

The volleyball season started in September, and the players from Grade 8 were split into two teams ---- the blue team and the gold team. The blue team players were mostly new to volleyball and the gold team was for the pros. It was my first year playing volleyball and I was put into the Blue Team.

Honestly, my Blue Team sucked at the beginning. Only a few of us could get serves over the net. Most of us weren’t even able to pass or volley at all.

Even though we were terrible, every one of us participated in morning and after-school practices. We played many schools but haven’t won once. Game after game of losing made us all disappointed and faithless. However, our coach told us we were doing amazing, but my team mates and I still thought we didn’t improve at all.

On the 26^th of October, Collingwood partook in ISA, which is a volleyball tournament for private schools. While we were warming up with Mulgrave, I felt upset. Mulgrave Titans’ strong overhand serves and beautiful high passes reminded me of the game that we lost them badly three weeks ago. I didn’t even want to bother thinking about the result when I knew the winner wouldn’t be us. However, after losing the first set, we were actually cheered up, because there wasn't much difference between the scores of our two schools. The coach encouraged us. “If we have put in a little more effort, we could have won that set.” Hearing that from our coach definitely gave us a lot of confidence and courage. We cheered with our strong Cavaliers’ spirit and were ready to face Mulgrave. While playing the second set, the techniques and strategies we have learned seemed to come back to us. Every time before the Mulgrave Titan stepped behind the service line, tossing the ball, we were already on our toes, ready to make a high pass to the setter. We yelled ‘mine’ as the ball flew hard across the gym and dove for every ball no matter what. As soon as the ball was passed onto the other side of the court, the front role players hopped to the net and were ready to block the ball. I saw that both the players on the court and on the bench put a lot of effort into the game. The players on the court tried their best to get a point as the people on the bench screamed the cheers and encouraged them to do better. A while later, the referee blew the whistle before we realized the game was over. The judges added the total score from each team and our score was higher!

No one seemed to understand or believe the final results. It took about a minute for us to wake up and realize we beat Mulgrave! The gold team started to cheer and the applause from our parents broke out like thunder. Anyhow, it seemed like we were the only group of people on earth at that moment. We shouted in bliss and couldn’t stop hugging or sending compliments to each other. The Mulgrave Titans were looking at us like we’ve gone crazy yet we didn’t care, because we won! Then we learned that our ranking position came from the last to the third last! I felt like I was going to explode because too much good news was attacking me at once. Nevertheless at the same time, it felt like heaven. The glory, the pride, rushed in my veins faster than ever.

That night, after playing the moments of glory over and over again in my head, I realized we won because we participated in practices actively, and at the same time, put effort into the game. All of the players improved throughout the season gradually, so when we put effort into winning, we were able to play well. My speech ends here and I shall leave you with this, as long as you participate actively and do something industriously, you will see the good result. 

Liz with Grace and Sam

1.    Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2.    WinterGirls by Lauren Anderson

Liz with Grace and Sam

Liz became friends with Grace in college. Grace and Sam have been together for two years. Liz began to get her bad disease because she thinks Grace was skinnier and prettier. She tried to cut herself again but Sam found out. Sam realized what was going on and tried to stop Liz. Liz was mad and wanted to get rid of Grace. There were so much going on but Grace didn’t know anything yet. Grace realized Sam and Liz were against each other and Sam couldn’t convince Grace with the truth, but Liz doesn’t admit. So Sam had no choice but protected Grace without her knowing. Grace found out Sam was always stalking her so she dumped Sam. Finally one night Sam went to find Grace and saw Liz stabbing her. He tried to stop it but it was too late. Grace said she’s sorry and gave one last kiss. Sam as heart-broken and he was ready on revenge. He was so mad that he changed into a wolf suddenly! He hadn’t change into a wolf for years. Anger made him change and he ripped Liz apart and ran off.

It was September, Liz moved to a city near the US border for college. She loved that city. On the first day of school, when she was lost in the building that was like a maze with nobody, she saw a girl coming from the opposite side. She is pretty. Liz only saw pureness and kindness in her eyes. The girl gave Liz a small smile and stopped walking. “Are you lost?”

“I’m going to Room 79,”Liz faked a smile, “sorry I have no idea where that is.”

She replied, “Oh, Room 79, Natural Laws right? I’m going to that class as well. Just come with me. I’ll show you.” She started walking and she said again, “I’m Grace. You can always come find me if you have any problems here. You’re more than welcomed. Oh, and you are…?”

“Liz, I’m Liz,” Liz smiled. “And thank you Grace.”

Liz and Grace hanged out more and more often. They had a lot of things in common. They both loved the nature and they always go hiking together with Grace’s boyfriend, Sam. Liz learned that Sam and Grace have been together for two years. After a few months Liz knew almost everything about them. One night she was in bed and she realized something was wrong.

She was going to sleep but she couldn’t help thinking about her best friend Grace. Liz always remembered the nice and cool things about someone. Liz remembered the perfectness of Grace’s thin face, her shaped jaws, and her fit body with curves shown clearly.  Liz didn’t know how she started and she couldn’t get it out of her head even though she wanted to. She tried not to think about it and to go to sleep. She finally realized she was going to the old her years ago ---- when she had anorexia nervosa. She didn’t know how many times she shook her head that night to try to get that thought out of her head. She once again brought up the shadows of anorexia nervosa. She felt disappointed in herself but at the same time, she was mad that Grace just seemed so perfect. In every kind of way.

The next day, Grace saw the difference in Liz’s eyes. The way she tried to avoid looking into Grace’s eyes made Grace confused. Grace thought she had done something to Liz. However, only Liz knew, she felt guilty but couldn’t stop to heal her sick mind. Liz didn’t want to be with Grace anymore. Liz thought, in front of everyone, Grace is the shining star and I am nothing compared to Grace. I need to be better than this. I need to get skinny. Then, Grace will look at me the way I look at her. She then felt she was so helpless. She began to stop eating food with calories over 300 per 50 gram. However, she saw her ugliness comparing to Grace. She remembered she still kept the knife she always had under her bed though she hadn’t use it in forever. She thought it was not a good idea.  She tried convincing herself to not to think of it. After a week of controlling herself to not do this, she gave up. She was tired of all this and she just want to be perfect.

One day, Grace and Sam came over to her house and they were going swimming. When Liz once again saw the amazingly beautiful Grace in bikini standing in front of her, Liz felt so ashamed and disappointed in herself. Liz went in her room immediately and took out the knife. She looked at the reflection of her naked in the mirror and tears ran down her cheeks. She hasn’t done this in such a long time and she knew she was scared. Be brave and cut. Be brave and cut…

Outside, Grace was looking for food in the kitchen and Sam was sitting outside Liz’s bedroom reading a book he found on the table. Ah. Sam heard the loud noise from Liz’s bedroom and he was on his feet.  The noise wasn’t loud but sounded painful. Then Sam heard Liz sobbing and Sam knocked her doors hard and said, “Are you okay in there?? Need some help?”

Liz’s sobbing was louder. Sam was worried. Few seconds later, Sam heard her replying, “I’m sorry… Don’t… don’t… wait… Sorry…” Sam got anxious and had no idea why Liz was saying sorry. Sam pushed the door with his right shoulder. In one shot, the door opened.  

“What the…” He was shocked of what he was seeing. Liz sitting on the wooden floor naked… a knife in the right hand… blood flooding on her left wrist… tears and blood mixed together on the floor… Liz stopped crying but Sam almost fainted. Liz said, “Sam, don’t look. Please go away.” Her voice was uneven, sounded like she wasn’t able to breathe. Sam remembered the moments when his parents tried to cut his wrists when they found out he was a monster. “One. Two. Three…” the voices of his parents were ringing in his ears. He couldn’t get himself focused. When he finally got out of his nightmares, he saw what is really in front of his eyes.

“What the hell are you doing!?” He wanted to yell more but no words came out of his mouth, because he didn’t understand.

Liz answered quietly as she could read his mind, “I know you don’t understand. But I wasn’t trying to kill myself.”

“What…”Sam stared at the blood. It seemed it has stopped.

“See? It’s not very deep. It’s stopped.” Liz sounded proud, but she wasn’t. She didn’t want any of her best friends to see this. She was only trying to convince Sam she’s safe.

Sam thought Liz sounded like nothing had happened. Sam got his mind right again, and said, “okay, I’ll get Grace. You wait here and -----”

“What!? You seriously going to tell Grace!? Please don’t tell Grace.” Liz didn’t want Grace to think she was jealous of her, because she knew once Grace asks why, Liz wouldn’t be able to get away.

“Then what do you want?” Sam felt very uncomfortable.

“I’ll clean up and act like nothing has happened. Please, don’t get Grace.”

“What the hell is going on with you!? What are you thinking? Would you tell me?” Sam was mad but more worried actually.

“No…” Liz thought and continued, “Yes, I will tell you but just don’t get Grace. I’ll be okay. Don’t tell Grace though. I’m serious.”

Sam thought Liz was afraid of Grace or something. However, he asked no more. He got out of her room and shut the door tight. He sat there in his seat and stared at the door of her room until Liz got out.

After a few days, Sam still couldn’t get that gruesome scene out of his head. He headed to Liz’s house alone early in the morning before Grace woke up.

Sam ringed the doorbell until Liz opened the door after a minute of ‘ring ring’.

“What do you want?” Liz was still in her pajamas. Her eyes barely opened.

“Would you tell me now?”

“Tell you what?” Liz said annoyed, “I wanna sleep, Sam.”

Sam hesitated when Liz didn’t realize what he was talking about, “Liz, why did you cut yourself? I mean, you’re so happy every day and… isn’t that good enough!?”

Liz waited until she was sure Sam finished and said, “Yeah… I’m happy. Actually… No it’s not good enough. You don’t understand. Leave.” As she was about to shut the door, Sam sticked his foot to stop the door from closing.

“Try me.” Sam said calmly, staring at Liz, trying to convince her.

Liz opened the door, “Come on in.”

“Well, why did you cut yourself? I know how it felt and I don’t understand. I was forced to be cut! My parents thought I’m a monster when they knew I was a half wolf. They were scared and I had no choice. It’s awful. Why did you do it?”

Liz knew that he used to be a wolf, so she wasn’t surprised. She sighed and replied, “Don’t tell Grace, but… Grace is so perfect! She is so much better than me! I want to be like her and I want to be as skinny as her. It’s so not fair! Do you think I have a choice!? I need to be skinny but I can’t because I am not as skillful as I used to be… you know… I just can’t help it, Sam. Don’t tell ----”

Sam was really confused. No, actually, Sam got it all clear but couldn’t believe what she’s saying, “Are you kidding me!? You want to be like her… Alright… Heck, this is just stupid Liz. You can’t be her. You aren’t like her.” Sam didn’t like the thought of Liz trying to be like Grace. He hated it. Grace is his girlfriend and someone else is jealous of her and trying to be her.

“I can’t? I’ll prove it to you! I won’t be her, but I am going to be the best. I will someday get rid of her and guess what? Poof! I am the best!” Liz yelled.

“What…? You will get rid of her? You mean kill her?” Sam almost laughed.

“Yup. Kill. Her. I swear to kill her. No matter what.”

Sam’s ears were ringing. He thought he was listening to the story of SnowWhite. Evil Queen tried to kill SnowWhite just to be the most beautiful person in the world. This is ridiculous, Sam thought. He never liked the story when Beck once told him when he was young. He just couldn’t believe there would be such evil people in the world. He didn’t want to believe. However, right now, there is one person like Evil Queen right there, in front of his eyes. “Well, you know what? You can’t. You’re just out of your mind, Liz. I will be the one who is going to stop you.” Sam answered quietly but harshly through his teeth. Sam walked out of the door before Liz said anything.

Liz grinned evilly, like Sam was still there in front of her. “Haha, we’ll see about that.” 

As soon as Sam got home, he bawled his eyes out. Grace didn’t know what happened. He loved Grace so much that he wanted to tell Grace. However, he knew Grace would only think it’s a crazy joke.

Grace comforted Sam though had no idea of what was going on, “Hey Sam, what’s wrong? You can tell me anything.”

Sam couldn’t think straight. He knew Grace wouldn’t believe.

“C’mon, tell me. What’s wrong? It’s okay Sam. We’ve been through so much already. Why aren’t you telling me?” Grace sounded so sweet that Sam’s tears just wouldn’t stop.

Sam couldn’t speak and he knew clearly Grace was going to laugh at him. However, he would give it a try. He calmed himself and told the truth of everything.

“Haha, you’re totally lying to me.” She laughed at him. Sam knew she would do that.

“Do you even think I’m joking? Do I look like I’m joking?” Sam looked into Grace’s eyes.

Grace fell silent. She looked away and looked back at Sam, “No. But it surely isn’t funny, if it’s supposed to be a joke.” Grace waited for Sam to laugh. However, his face was dead serious.

They stared at each other for a while. Grace broke the silence and said, “Yeah, well, okay, honestly, I don't believe she would really do so. She was probably just mad or something. She may not have meant it. I’m going to talk to her anyway. She wouldn't kill me right away, don't you think so?” Grace walked away before Sam could answer.

“Stop! I don’t know!” Sam ran to catch up while yelling, “Wait up Grace!”

Sam got in the Blanco that Grace had for years. No one talked on the way to Liz’s house. Grace got a lot of things in mind, but Sam was just afraid that the more he speaks the more Grace would not believe him. Grace got down fast while leaving Sam behind. Grace ringed the doorbell several times. Sam walked to her.

“Well, I don't think Liz is home. We can come back some other day.”Grace said calmly.

      “Yeah, okay, we will come back right? You believe what I said right?” Sam asked her, wishing to hear Grace’s definite answer.

      Grace didn't speak.

      “She’s probably so afraid to face you.” Sam thought out loud.

      “I don't want you to speak like this! She’s my best friend! Do you think I’m going to just be cool about you talking behind my best friend’s back?” Grace yelled at Sam.

      “Sorry.” Sam whispered, “I was just trying to ----”

      “Okay. Enough already. Thank you for being nice, but to be honest I think you just need to take a break, Sam. I’m not saying I don't believe you at all. But I think you’ve been talking craps these days. Stop all this and I’ll figure it out.” Grace sounded cold.

      Sam tried to rebut. However, he was scared that Grace would be angry again.

     

      Grace had gone to Liz’s house the next day without Sam knowing. She waited at the front door of Liz’s house. Her mind kept replaying yesterday’s memory. Grace knew Sam was only trying to convince Grace. However, she was upset but she didn't know why. Grace thinks she was just really tired these days. Maybe she is the one who needed to take a break. As Grace was about to leave, Liz opened the door, “Hey, What’s up? I didn't expect you to be here. Where’s the wolf boy?” Liz gave a big smile.

      “Hey. He’s still in bed. I’ve been trying to talk ----”

      Liz interrupted, “Ah, you want a talk. Come on in and we can do that.”

      Grace smiled and suddenly shivered as she sat down. “Where have you been yesterday?” Sam and I were trying to find you.”

      “I was in the library.” She threw away the jacket of hers and emptied the armchair for herself, “Oh, do you want to make some coffee for yourself?”

      “You don't want to any?” Grace walked to the kitchen.

      “Nah, I’m fat enough.” Liz answered and laughed.

      “Are you kidding me? You’re as skinny as a stick Liz.” Grace joked, but she suddenly remembered what Sam told Liz was doing ---- losing weight to beat Grace. That brought Grace a shiver. She didn't want Liz to notice about anything she knew. So she softened the effect with a laugh, “It’s supposed to be a joke. You know.”

      Liz smiled and looked out the window. She seemed to be caught up with something outside and narrowed her eyes and asked, “You sure Sam is still in bed?”

      Grace looked outside at where Liz was pointing. “What the…”

      Liz laughed and asked, “Did he used to be like this as a wolf too? Because he’s surely not a great hider.”

      Grace ignored Liz and walked outside quickly. As soon as the door opened, the cold air peeled off Grace’s skin. Grace ran straight to Sam, “What the heck do you think you’re doing?”

      “Nothing. Just thought you might be with Liz. It’s not safe with her Grace.”

      Grace’s heart was softened at the way Sam said Grace. However, she got back in her mood, “You are stalking me. Liz is my best friend. Do not tell me you don't want me to be with my best friend. You’re so selfish. You think I’m all yours alone? Guess what!? Wrong! That's the sickest idea I have ever heard. Why am I supposed to believe all your crappy theory? You know what?! This is not cool.” Before Sam could say sorry, Grace continued, “Sam, I’ve got enough of your apologies. We’re done.”

      Sam fell silent. His heart broke into thousands of pieces. He felt so cold that he thought he was going to change. He imagined his back hunching and his bones twisting. He even wished he could just disappear into a wolf in front of her than standing her, not able to anything to change it. He suddenly remembered the song he had written for Grace when they met. And all the happy memories. He smiled and thought out loud.

“I fell for her in summer, my lovely summer girl,
From summer she is made, my lovely summer girl,
I’d love to spend a winter with my lovely summer girl,
But I’m never warm enough for my lovely summer girl,
It’s summer when she smiles, I’m laughing like a child,
It’s the summer of our lives; we’ll contain it for a while
She holds the heat, the breeze of summer in the circle of her hand
I’d be happy with this summer if it’s all we ever had.”

      He continued it,

“And now, my lovely summer girl had left me,
And I know our time is up already.
Though I had been so happy with my lovely summer girl,
now it’s time for me to leave.
I shall go or I shall stay?
I have no choice
but all depends on my lovely summer girl.
Oh, my lovely, summer, girl.”

      Grace knew exactly which song Sam was talking about. She felt the words piercing her heart like needles. She regretted what she said, because she knew it was just harsh and mean. She wanted Sam back, but all she gets is watching him turn and walk into the woods. Useless.

     

      Tears rolled down Grace’s cheek. Sam hadn’t been home for four days. She knew she couldn't live without Sam. She wanted Sam desperately. She needs him, and she knew it clearly. She went to the bookstore where Sam works at. She went to the candy store Sam brought her to on their very first date. She went to the forest, the golden woods. She went to Beck’s house. She cried out her eyes and screamed into the sky. She yelled out so many ‘sorry’s but knew Sam would never forgive her. She went everywhere, but found no sign of Sam. She was afraid Sam would be gone. Again. And that would all be her fault.

      Sam watched Grace from behind the bushes, wishing Grace would see him. Though he was still mad, he wanted Grace to get back to him like nothing had happened.

     

Grace had no choice but go to the only person she had, Liz. Liz tried to talk her out of the sadness. Liz seemed all nice and easy on her. She comforted Grace and Grace actually felt better.

Sam had been watching Grace going to Liz’s house almost every day. He didn't understand. He thought Grace loves him but couldn’t understand why she didn’t believe him and stay away from Liz as he told her to. He prayed every day to not let Liz kill Grace. He bet that Liz is so happy that Grace had lost Sam. Sam was so mad whenever he thinks about Liz, but whenever he thinks of Grace, peace just come in and flood away the rage.

Sam always thought about whether to get back to Grace or not. However, his presence may bring anger to Liz and Liz would not hesitate to get rid of Grace.

One night, when the night was quiet, Grace decided to watch a movie with Liz to try to get used to a normal life. Grace sat on the couch. She couldn’t remember Liz trying to kill her, or at least she didn’t want to remember. Liz was being really great and thoughtful these days after the lost of Sam.

“I’m just gonna go get a drink for you. What do you want?”

“Grape juice would be good.”

Liz had gone to the kitchen. She grabbed a knife from the kitchen and walked quietly toward Grace and a strike was on the door. She knew exactly who it was. Grace looked at Liz and Liz didn’t hesitate. She raised the knife high and Grace screamed. She stabbed it into her back through the heart as Sam forced opened the door. Sam swore loudly and ran to stop Liz. Liz stared at Sam and laughed, “Well, I’m sorry. But you’re too late. Look at Grace now. She’s almost gone. What are you going to do, wolf-boy? You gonna bite me and rip me up? Too late. Nothing saves her. I am the best now. Unfortunately you lose the bet and I win! Yay for me heh?” Liz looked at Grace and laughed.

Sam just glared at Liz and ran to Grace. “Grace, listen to me. You will be okay.” He said as he shook her hard.

“Yeah, I will be.” Grace forced a smile, “Thanks for coming Sam… I’m so sorry.”

“No, I could’ve stopped it Grace.” Sam’s tears were shiny on his cheeks, “I’m sorry Grace. I was too late. I’m sorry I had you cry for so many days. You know I was there right?”

“Yeah, I knew. I felt you there. I smell you there. Somewhere…”

“Why did you not listen to me? Why didn’t you stay away from Liz? Why Grace?”

Grace smiled with blood in her mouth, “I knew you would come out to save me. I knew I would see you again… Even like this… right now…” Grace coughed softly.

      Sam said nothing and his tears couldn’t stop. He watched and said, “I love you Grace. I always do.”

      Grace smiled again and whispered, “Yeah, I know. I love you too… So much it hurts.” Grace gave one last smile and her breath stopped.

      Sam put Grace down slowly and looked at Liz.

      Liz smiled and said, “That was dramatic but really romantic.”

 “You are out of your mind Liz! She trusted you and you did this to her!? You are going to pay for this Liz.” Anger rushed up his nerves. There was asperity in his eyes. He didn’t know what he was doing. He only felt he was shaking uncontrollably. Liz stared at him, scared. His body twisted and a wolf appeared in front of Liz. Liz never really believe that he used to be a wolf. However, there he is right in front of her. She shook her head and stood there awkwardly.

Sam jumped and ripped Liz into so many pieces. Liz’s broken body and dead Grace were there lying on the floor.

      Sam stared at it and turned. He jumped out of Liz’s house, then he finally disappeared into the woods silently under the cold harsh wind of winter…

Dear Tracey

Dear Tracey,

      Hi. When you’re reading this again, you’ve hopefully finished Grade 8 already. You have had joy, tears, happiness and fear in the past 300 days.

I wish you will try your best on everything. Your sister always says to try something three times before giving up. You should be like that. Do not give up easily because things can turn out great if you have faith and courage. However, even if things don’t turn out as you wished, you just got to try harder next time because there will always be opportunities for you.

      Tracey, do not be proud when you have done something better than the others. You should always tell yourself the glory is of the Father’s. If the Father in the heavens never helped you, you would have achieved nothing. To the contrary, you need to glorify the Father.

      You need to set a goal. It can be a short-term goal or a long-term goal. Or maybe you should set several goals. When you read this again after finishing Grade 8, you should compare yourself in Grade 8 with yourself in Grade 7.

Do you think you should use your free time properly? I know you’ll have a lot of free time, but that free time is for you to use properly. If you’re a bad student, you will be playing video games, watching movies whenever you’re ‘off-leashed’. However, I know you good enough that you will never do that. If you’re an average, you will finish your homework before doing anything else. However, if you’re a good student, you will study hard, concentrate on school work, read books, prepare for exams and only be on Facebook on the weekends. You want to be an average-good student, don’t you? Then you got to put in your effort. Efforts lead to results.

      Tracey, I know you have always been a little addicted to Facebook, but will you try controlling yourself to stay away from it as much as possible? I know Facebook is harmless, but it is very meaningless as well. Facebook is just a waste of time. You don’t want to waste your precious time, technically your life, in some kind of a ‘fake’ world right? You had opportunities at school to chat with your friends, right? You had chances to share your thoughts in class right? Facebook is just so unreal and pointless. I know you knew that very well, but it is just so hard to get rid of it completely from your head right? So you should consider putting it into your ‘goal list’, or make yourself a schedule and stick with that schedule.

      You need to sleep early. You always waste your time in front of the mirror before going to bed. That’s what girls do right? And I also know you get hyper before going to bed. Yeah, I totally understand that. You can be so exhausted in the day. However, when you get into your bathroom, you’re the sleeping beauty finally waking up ---- you become wide awake. It might be because of the really bright lights or something that gets you all excited… I don’t know… but anyway, my point is, you need to sleep. Get ready quickly and go to bed already. You’re growing right now and you need very good sleep. So, if you want to grow tall and pretty, like you have always wanted to, you need to get rid of your habit of doing your hair and stuff in front of the mirror before bed. Also, I don’t see the point of that because it’ll be all gone when you wake up anyway.

      Dear Tracey, you have to love the Lord. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Pray to Him when you have troubles. Sing His hymns when you’re upset. Read His words when you feel empty. You should go to the young people meeting and the Lord’s Day meeting every week so that you may gain Him and receive His life.

      Well, Tracey, this will be a hard year, but you will have a lot of fun as you grow up. So, please keep it up, and do your best. May the Lord be with me throughout this year. Amen. J

Love, Tracey