18 Sep 2020, 17:28
Harsh lesson to learn
Date: January 17th, 2018
Location: Choi Manor, dining room
Time: Noon
Speech color for Natasha: Green
Speech color for her Tutor: Purple
Henry’s letter arrived a couple of hours ago; it was like the Heavens had answered her prayers and presented an excuse to ask for a short break. Her tutor was not pleased at all; the woman was in her late forties and was best known for her impatience. Even so, she let the girl have her way, just this once.
The 8 year old girl sat at the large dining table, where her classes usually took place, quill in hand, but she couldn’t seem to be able to concentrate. There were many things she wanted to ask, and even more that she wanted to say, but she couldn’t find it in herself to do so when her tutor was breathing down her neck. She took a tentative glance at the woman, then reluctantly started to write.
Once she started, the words came like a flood. She wanted to tell Henry about her struggles. He was one of her friends, maybe even her only one. He was also a pure-blood. He would surely understand her struggles, right?
But just like that, an ice cold hand landed on her right shoulder. The girl froze in place, not daring to move a single muscle.
“What are you doing?” asked the woman through gritted teeth.
“I’m writing my response to Henry...” Natasha's voice was uncertain, almost waiting for her tutor to explode.
And the hurricane came right then and there.
“How dare you talk about your Mother and Father in such a manner!? About the life they gave you, about the things they provide for you? About me!? You should be ashamed of yourself, Natasha. A noble lady never complains! You must maintain an elegant facade at all times. You need to choose your words carefully, not to offend the other party. And most of all, you need to submit yourself to your parents, and do as they wish. I’m sure they are ashamed of you, Natasha Choi!”
The girl was fighting her tears, she couldn’t let them escape. She was not supposed to cry. Her tutor was right, she was in the wrong.
The woman snatched the quill from her small hands, and crossed out all the words she has written so far before shoving it back to her.
“Now, rewrite it. Properly this time. Just like how a lady of your status should.”
“I understand.”
Natasha closed her eyes for a second, gathering her thoughts. She can’t let her weaknesses show. She just can’t.
"It's better to walk alone, than with a crowd going in the wrong direction." - Herman Siu