No More The Bereaved

Alessio wasn't like any other boy in school. He was only fifteen, caught to be always aloof and brooding. When the others were playing and laughing, he would only blankly stare at them. All he wanted was to be left alone. He had no friends nor did he encourage anybody to befriend him. But he wasn't like this three years back. After the fateful accident that took away his beloved mother forever from him, he just couldn't bring himself to be happy and glee anymore. But his childhood friend Lyle had strong faith in him. He believed that Alessio will some day change for good.

That day wasn't far. It was their school's Golden Jubilee celebration and the Chief Guest was none other than Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the 11^th President of India. Alessio was a die-hard fan of aero-science from his childhood. Though now nothing excites him, he still couldn't ignore the small spark in his heart after seeing his favourite scientist. Lyle sat just beside him and as usual Alessio ignored him. Every event gracefully took place. It was a beautiful day for everyone in 'Samagraha School'.

Finally it was time for the chief guest to give his speech and distribute gifts. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam reached the stage and began to speak. He was so inspiring. He spoke about his hurdles and how he is so happy about his current position. He then began to talk about few great people who had lost their parents at a very young age and have still become successful in life. Few examples like Barack Obama, George Washington, Prince William etc. were given.

The speech struck a cord in Alessio's heart. He just realized that with all his grief he forgot to live his life. He had become obsessed with his mother's demise and forgot he was still alive for a purpose. No. No. He will no more live like a corpse. He had so much responsibilities. He was the eldest in house and he had two young sisters to take care of. He had laid all burdens on his father's shoulders and had failed to acknowledge their feelings. He will not be like this anymore. He is a changed man now. Though he cannot change overnight, he will slowly change with time, he determined. He even made a pact with his heart to reconcile with his friends soon.

The Golden Jubilee was an utter success and Alessio was more than happy to have not absented himself that day. The next day that gloomy little man had a big smile on his face and the whole school saw him with pure awe, or was it shock ? He was on his way to the Principal's office to speak an important issue. The Principal was talking to someone and he couldn't help but eavesdrop when he heard his name being said. The other voice apart from the Principal's voice seemed to be like Lyle's. 'What was he doing inside?' Or more like, 'why were they both talking about him?' They were talking about yesterday's event. Lyle was thanking the Principal for making the Chief Guest to talk a little about Alessio's condition indirectly and to have inspired him on his career decisions, for Alessio has dreamed of going to space from his childhood.

Alessio couldn't stop the tears that were now freely flowing. Hearing him sob, both of them came out of the office and were so shocked by the intruder. "Thank You my Dear Friend." The bereaved has spoken for the first time in three years, and Lyle got his best friend back. The day was an utter bliss.