Sunshine

The atmosphere at Blue Mountain Girls' College was filled with excitement. Laughter and chatter filled the air as students introduced themselves, forging friendships that would last a lifetime. Amid the vibrant scene, a quiet girl named Zinnia stood apart from the crowd. With a hint of disinterest in her demeanour, she slipped away from the commotion and went to the library. She picked up a copy of Jean-Paul Sartre's" Existentialism is a Humanism" and started reading it; as she immersed herself in the book, the noise from outside faded away.

As the days went by, the girls began to form distinct groups: hip girls, adorned in the latest trends; cool girls, exuding effortless charm; silly girls, radiating infectious joy; studious girls, solely focused on studies; and at the top of all were the Queens, beauty with brains, the girls whom others either looked up to or envied. Zinnia didn't belong to any of them.

Every day, Zinnia travelled from home to college, sat on the last bench of all the lectures, and spent her lunchtime and free time reading John Locke, Confucius, Osho, the Gita, etc. The only conversations she ever had during college were with the Librarian.

"Zinnia, check C-22-1, you might like the new book, Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle."

Zinnia's face lit up.

"It's been a long time since I was trying to lay my hands on this book, thank you," said Zinnia

Zinnia eagerly checked out the book and immersed herself for the entire night in Aristotle's philosophy. As the first rays of light filled the room, she realised it was already morning and time to prepare for college. She took a warm shower and made her favourite breakfast: roasted rice tea, warm banana bread, and a rosemary omelette.

Zinnia took the same local bus from her apartment to college. While on the bus, her gaze drifted over the bustling crowd, trying to know their stories. But today, her thoughts were captivated by something more profound, a lingering reflection from her readings the night before. She pondered the three kinds of friendships: those built on utility, those rooted in pleasure, and the rare connections arising from true goodness.

Isn’t the third one what we are all in search of? Aristotle’s concept of friendship had resurfaced a painful memory from her school days. A hip girl named Penny had joined the school as a late admission and needed to catch up academically. During this time, Penny chose to befriend Zinnia. Penny was like a ray of sunshine to Zinnia, particularly because no one else spoke to her at school. With Penny by her side, Zinnia began to look forward to each day, finally having someone to sit with in class and during lunch. However, once Penny had caught up with the syllabus, she abruptly dumped Zinnia, which impacted her confidence in making friends.

Months had passed, and Zinnia couldn’t make any friends or acquaintances in college. Every day, Zinnia arrived at the college, walked alone to her classroom, and sat at the last bench of the class. No student in the class of one hundred twenty acknowledged her existence, ever.

One day, when Zinnia reached the classroom, there was commotion. The exam schedule had been released, and most students looked stressed. The Queens looked relaxed; they didn't have a reason to worry. The only tension amongst the Queens was who would top the exams.

"Rose would top this year," Said Laila.

"I think Simone would top. She is working hard for the scholarship. Her dad is retiring this year, and won't be able to support her education," said Fatima

Zinnia's name did not occur to anyone once.

There was just a week left before the exams. Lecturers started giving free classes for exam preparation, and the students formed small study groups to prepare. Zinnia wasn't a part of any group. She didn't exist for her classmates. Zinnia went to the Library every day to prepare for her exams.

"How is your exam preparation going?" asked the Librarian.

"It's going on well, Mrs. Campus," said Zinnia.

"Who do you think would top this year?" asked the Librarian

"I have no idea, Mrs. Campus," said Zinnia

"Oh dear! You stay too much to yourself. Everyone is thinking that Simone will top the exams this year. There is no match to her brilliance this year," said Mrs. Campus

"I have no idea, Mrs. Campus," said Zinnia

Zinnia went to her routine spot and got busy studying.

The month flew by, and the exams had finally ended. Excitement buzzed through the common area as everyone made plans for the day, except for Zinnia. She walked alone to the main gate, caught the bus, and returned home. Seeing her mother's surprise visit filled Zinnia with Joy when she entered the door. After taking a warm shower, Zinnia relished the comforting meal her mother had prepared. Once she finished eating, Zinnia brewed her favourite roasted rice tea and settled on the balcony with her mom.

"How did your exams go, Zinnia?" her mother asked.

"They went well, Maa," Zinnia replied.

"Who do you think will top the class this year?" her mom inquired.

"Everyone's rooting for Simone to come out on top, and I truly hope she does. Her dad can't afford to support her education, so she needs a scholarship to keep pursuing her studies," Zinnia said, her concern was evident.

"You are a kind and selfless person, and I am proud of you, Zinnia. Lucky would be your friend," her mother said.

Zinnia's face revealed sadness. It had been a long time since she had been without a friend.

"Go to bed, girl, you look exhausted. We will continue tomorrow," said the mother

Zinnia went to bed feeling relieved that she wouldn't wake up in an empty house the next day. Her mother had decided to stay until her result was out, and the days flew by until it was.

Zinnia was calm on the day of the results. She went to college to find out her results. As she approached the notice board, she saw Simone crying. She asked someone present there before her, "Why is Simone crying?"

"Simone has stood third, and she has one mark less than Rose and two marks less than a Girl named Zinnia, who stood first. She has lost the scholarship," said the girl.

" It's an internal examination, so teachers had a lot on their hands. Can you help me, Rose?" asked Simone.

"I am sorry, Simone, I can't give up my position for you," said Rose

Tears of hopelessness welled up in Simone's eyes.

Zinnia witnessed everything. Her heart ached. She approached the philosophy teacher, the subject for which she had scored two more marks than Simone.

"Ma'am Simone needs these two marks. She needs this scholarship to continue her education. I don't mind giving my position to Simone," said Zinnia.

Zinnia's kindness touched the Philosophy lecturer. She ensured that Zinnia knew what she was opting for, and Zinnia looked sure.

The teacher made the changes with the principal's permission, and Simone received the scholarship. Simone felt grateful for it. Congratulations began pouring in, and everyone asked for a party. During all this commotion, Simone only had one thought: "How did this happen?"

Simone went to the Philosophy teacher and asked about it. The teacher told her about Zinnia's Kindness. Simone felt lost entirely as she didn't even know Zinnia. She asked many other students, but no one knew Zinnia. She rushed to the office and asked the clerk to take out Zinnia's admission file. Simone was perplexed and lost, seeing a stranger's picture on the form who had sacrificed her position for a stranger. Simone rushed from the office looking for Zinnia in the college compound.. From a distance, she spotted Zinna walking alone towards the gate. Simone ran fast and held Zinnia on her shoulder. Zinnia was startled and turned back. Simone hugged her tightly and thanked her for her Kindness. Zinnia passed a gentle smile. Simone walked arm-in-arm with Zinnia to the gate.

"I had been reading Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, and a question lingered: does the third kind of friendship truly exist?"

Zinnia looked up in surprise.

"Yes, it does, Zinnia," said Simone

Simone smiled brightly and added, "I'll see you at the party tomorrow, Sunshine."

Tears of joy filled Zinnia's eyes.