A Light without Electricity

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to live in a time when there was no electricity, no machines and no operating alliances? Modern conveniences we once relied on will turn completely useless. And for once, we would be speaking  face to face with our friends and family members. Well, I’m willing to share with you an eye-opening story to maybe help that thought out.

Today was the first day of school. I didn’t know about that until I had awakened from my sleep, drenched in sweat. I had a nigthmare! My eyes darted at the calendar. I froze when I saw the date. I hurriedly grabbed a towel and rushed to the bathroom to take a quick bath. I wasn’t going to school smelling like this!

Water sloshed around as I stepped into the bathtub. It was freezing cold as always. We didn’t have hot showers here, just ice-cold ones. Heavy smoke arose from downstairs. My mother was in the kitchen, making pancakes for me on a thick piece of brick. There was fire emitting heat from underneath, gradually cooking it. When it was fully cooked, my mother called out my name.

“Sweetie! Your breakfast is ready. Come eat it before it turns cold.”
“In a minute, ” I responded as I hurried downstairs. My shirt buttoned halfway up.

After breakfast, I packed my books and supplies in my bag and headed out to school. The walk was two miles, I could feel the ground still being wet from last night’s rain. The distinct earthy scent filled my nostrils. About an hour later, I arrived at the gates of the school. Two teachers were standing by there. They both cheerfully greeted me when they caught a glimpse of me.

I stepped into the classroom. It was dimly lit by the early morning sunlight. We never used candles, except for special occasions. Rowdy students filled the class. “What could they possibly be that enthusiastic about something so early in the morning?” I thought to myself. Irritated by the loud chatterings, I scurried out of there. No way was I going to stay in that room until school started. I stayed near the balcony, resting my arms on the railings.

The bell chimed down the hallway, signaling the start of class. I sat at my desk, bouncing my leg up and down as I waited for the teacher to show up. Every minute felt like five. I checked the clock again, even though I’d just done it a moment ago. Finally, when our teacher entered the room, the whole class went dead silent.

“Good morning, teacher,” we warmly greeted our teacher.
“Good morning.” the teacher replied with a sweet smile.

She was the history teacher, one of my favorites. I used to dislike history a ton before I met her. I realized that maybe good teaching would make you enjoy the subject that you once hated.

Before she started the lesson, she introduced a new student to class. Her name was ‘Crescent’, like the moon. She had thick long curls, big brown eyes and a few moles which were oddly endearing. The teacher kindly seated the new classmate next to me.

“Hey,” She greeted me with eyes full of warmth, “What’s your name?”
“Silvia,” I murmured under my breath, “Just call me Siv… or anything you’d like. It’s up to you”
“Cool!”

She sat close, weirdly close to me. But I didn’t mind. In fact, I enjoyed her company, even if she wasn’t speaking to me.

“Would you like me to show you around the school?” I broke the silence. “I could maybe help—”
“That’d be wonderful.” Her eyes lit up.

Hours passed by as the teacher swiftly wrote down words I struggled to read on the blackboard. I squinted as hard as I could. Yet, I failed miserably. The dim lighting was such a pain in the neck! I couldn’t note down anything since I couldn’t read anything. However, Crescent offered to show me her notes.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not I should accept it. But then I caught Crescent’s reassuring smile, so I gave in.

“Thanks,” I whispered, sliding my notebook closer to hers.

Her handwriting was awfully neat, just as neat as her. Her books were well organized, just right on the edge of the desk. Pencils? They were stacked together on one another. She was so painfully tidy, unlike me. And don’t even get me started on her bubbly personality. I just don’t get why she’s so nice with someone as messy as me. Then something hit me.

“Would you… maybe want to be friends with me?” I blurted out and quickly looked away.
“Oh sure,” she said, “I don’t see why not!”
    
Right after she responded, the bell tingled without any warning which caught me completely off guard. I wasn’t paying attention to it, nor was I expecting it. Then all the students gathered up one last time to say “Have a good day, teacher,” and packed up their bags. The sun was fading fast, faster than usual since we were in the middle of fall.

Just as I was finished shoving my books and pencils into my bag, Crescent tapped on my shoulder. She wanted to walk me home. She had told me something about her living near me but I didn’t properly listen to her rants. Color me surprised, I never knew that we lived a few blocks away.

“Alright then. Let’s go.”

After I got back home, I waved her goodbye one last time before entering. Her kind gestures and her sweet words stuck to me. Even without the power or electricity, she still felt like light to this dull world. Or maybe like a warm blanket on a cold night. Whatever it is, she brought the bright vivid light to my world.