Awakening to Samsara 2

Xiao's heart skipped a beat at her attention, but his mind was too clouded with self-doubt to fully appreciate her effort. "It was okay," he replied, trying to keep his tone neutral. "Just the usual."

Mei-Ling stepped closer, her expression softening with concern. "I hope you got some rest. You look tired."

"Yeah, just didn't sleep well," Xiao mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He couldn't shake the feeling that his life was too sad and dull to be of any interest to someone like Mei-Ling.

As he glanced at her, his eyes caught the way she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear—a nervous habit she had. He found it endearing.

"Thanks for checking in, though. Also, take this," he said while handing her the sketchbook she left behind.

Mei-Ling's eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude as she looked at the sketchbook. "Oh my gosh, thank you, Xiao! I didn't even realize I left it. You're a lifesaver."

Xiao managed a small smile. "No problem. Mrs. Li mentioned it."

Mei-Ling's expression turned playful. "Do you have any plans for tonight?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Xiao shook his head. "No, not really."

Mei-Ling winked at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, look forward to tonight," she said cryptically before turning on her heel and running off down the hall, leaving Xiao standing there in confusion.

As she disappeared, he chuckled to himself, thinking about how cute she looked when she was flustered. He liked the way she always seemed to have a playful energy about her, a lightness that brightened his day.

He was about to head to class when he saw Mei-Ling coming back, her expression a mix of embarrassment and determination.

She stopped abruptly, her cheeks tinged with pink as she reached for the sketchbook she had forgotten again. Xiao couldn't help but smile wider, feeling a warmth spread through him.

This small, mundane interaction felt significant, like a secret shared between the two of them.

"Sorry about that," Mei-Ling said with a sheepish grin, tucking the sketchbook under her arm. She touched her ear again, a gesture Xiao had come to recognize as a sign she was feeling shy or nervous.

"It's okay," Xiao replied, his voice softer. He felt an awkward but pleasant tension between them, a connection that made his heart race. "I'm glad I could help."

"Well, you did," Mei-Ling said, her eyes meeting his for a moment longer than usual. There was something in her gaze that made Xiao feel seen like she understood him in a way no one else did. "See you tonight," she added with another wink, before turning and finally dashing off for good.

Xiao watched her go, his heart still pounding. He couldn't stop thinking about her—the way she smiled, the way she touched her ear, the way she looked at him.

There was something magical about these moments, something that made him feel alive. As he walked to his class, he realized that maybe, just maybe, life wasn't as dull as he thought.

———

Unlike his usual mediocre schedule, today was already proving to be an exciting one.

The school had arranged for a visiting speaker, an old war veteran, to talk to the students about his experiences. Xiao didn't expect much, but at least it would be a break from the usual classes, a chance for something different amidst the monotony of his everyday life.

The assembly hall buzzed with chatter, reminiscent of a chaotic temple as students filed in and took their seats. The hall, with its high ceilings and rows of wooden chairs, was a mix of old grandeur and modern wear. Xiao found a spot near the back, slouching in his chair as the principal introduced the guest speaker.

The veteran, a man in his seventies with a weathered face and a kind smile, took the stage and began to speak. His voice, though aged, carried a warmth and energy that immediately captivated the room.

"I grew up in a small village," the veteran began, his eyes shining with nostalgia. "Life was simple but full of adventure. We didn't have much, but we had each other and the world was our playground. I remember the days spent exploring the woods with my friends, pretending we were great explorers discovering new lands."

Xiao found himself drawn into the veteran's words, imagining the scenes vividly.

"We'd play pranks on the village elders," the veteran continued with a chuckle. "One time, we filled old Wong's boots with frogs. He wasn't too pleased but looking back, those were the moments that made life interesting."

The hall erupted in laughter, and even Xiao couldn't help but smile.

"But it wasn't just about fun and games," the veteran said, his tone growing more serious. "Those days taught me the importance of living life to the fullest. We didn't have much in terms of material wealth but we were rich in experiences. That's something I've carried with me throughout my life."

Xiao felt a pang of longing as he listened. His own life felt so routine, so devoid of the excitement and connection the veteran described.

"When the war came," the veteran said, his voice taking on a somber note, "everything changed. The brotherhood among soldiers, the hardships we faced, and the lessons we learned shaped who I am today. We learned to rely on each other and to find joy in the little things even amidst the chaos. It's those lessons that I want to share with you today."

He paused, looking out over the audience, his gaze landing briefly on Xiao. "Life is too short to be spent in monotony. Seek out new experiences, cherish the moments, and don't be afraid to take risks. It's through these adventures that we truly grow and find meaning."

As the veteran concluded his talk, Xiao felt a stirring in his heart. He wanted to change, to break free from the monotony and find his adventures. The easiest way to start, he realized, was to join the strange server called Samsara.

The rest of the school day dragged on, but Xiao's mind was elsewhere. He moved through his classes in a daze, the words of his teachers blending into a dull hum.

His thoughts kept returning to the message from Epiphany, about the cycle of Samsara and the path to true enlightenment. Maybe this server could be his first step towards something different, something meaningful.

When he finally got home, Xiao didn't waste any time. He dropped his backpack by the door and hurried to his computer, logging into Discord and navigating to his messages.

Epiphany's response was still there, waiting for him. He took a deep breath, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he thought about what to say.

"Your question got me thinking a lot and I've been pondering it all day. Here's what I've come up with: Samsara feels like my way out from the same old routine. It's like breaking free from one cycle and diving into another. So yeah, I'm ready to ditch the chains holding me back and dive into enlightenment. I'm willing to join Samsara."

He hit send and leaned back, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it—the beginning of something new.

As he waited for a reply, Xiao felt a glimmer of hope, a sense of anticipation that had been missing from his life for far too long.