They say good news has always been good medicine for a crushed spirit, and for Ashley, that was true. She could not wait to get back to her domicile. After some time, she and her mother got discharged and left for home.

“We can leave,” Ashley’s mother said, shutting the door of the car outside.

“Okay,” a man with a very hoarse voice responded. He was Mr Muhar, their personal driver, and he drove them home safely.

“Anyone home!” Ashley’s mother said, opening the door of the house that was left ajar. Ashley, on the other hand, was sitting on the veranda for some fresh air.

“I am in my room!” Joyful vociferated.

“Okay,” his mom replied.

After a while, Ashley’s mother went into Joyful’s room and talked to her son. Luckily, they were on a one-week midterm holiday, and they were opening on Monday. The both of them then went out together to keep Ashley company, and they prepared some soya porridge.

**********

On a brumal Monday morning, Ashley went back to school. She was obdurate about the issue, even when her mother tried hard to convince her not to go to school. She had no one to call a friend, though, especially ever since her friends abandoned her.

When Ashley’s classes were done, she went to the car park to wait to be picked by her mother. While she was there, her eyes came cross Jake, and he was holding hands with Victoria. He even went as far as kissing her in front of Ashley.

“Traitors,” she thought, feeling heated up. She then looked away.

After seeing Jake and Victoria, Ashley felt her heart’s wounds reopen, and she shed a tear. She later managed to pull herself together. She knew they were not worth it. They were traitors and deserved each other.

“Hey there!” a voice said from behind her.

Ashley turned, and it was Tales Banda, the coolest girl on campus. “Hey,” she responded in a low tone.

“I have been looking at you, and I think I might know you,” Tales said blithely.

“Observing people does not mean you know them,” Ashley responded rudely.

Tales left in disgruntlement after Ashel’s response, and Ashley’s mother was making her way to the gate. When Ashley saw her mother’s car, she went to it and entered. She was lost in thought as she stepped in, thinking of how rude she had been to Tales because of Jake. Her mother only looked at her and thought she needed some space. Ashely soon stirred herself out of her introspection.

“I will apologise tomorrow,” she thought to herself.

Tell us: Do you think Ashley was right for being rude to Tales because of her mood at the time?