The Second Last Paper
December 12th marked the second-last exam of the semester: Moral and Ethical Teachings. The subject had been one of the most discussed in their classes, with topics ranging from Catholic moral principles to addressing contemporary dilemmas. Maria and Catherine had spent the previous evening reviewing the Ten Commandments and social teachings of the Church, ensuring they understood not only the text but the deeper moral implications.
---
The Exam Hall
The morning was crisp, with the sun peeking through a thin veil of clouds. Maria and Catherine entered the exam hall, their nerves steady but their minds racing. As they settled into their seats, Sister Victoria, a stern yet fair nun in her early 50s, entered with her usual air of authority.
Sister Victoria:
"Good morning, ladies. Today's paper is on Moral and Ethical Teachings. You have three hours to complete it. Please ensure your answers are not only accurate but also reflect your understanding of the Church's moral framework. Let us begin with a prayer."
After the prayer, the students opened their papers. Maria scanned the questions, her heart steadying as she realized the topics were manageable.
---
The Incident
The paper included a section asking students to write the Ten Commandments in order. As Maria carefully wrote them down, she noticed some commotion a few rows ahead. Kate, one of their classmates, seemed unusually nervous. Her hands fidgeted under the desk, and every few seconds, she glanced at Sister Victoria, who was patrolling the rows.
Suddenly, Sister Victoria's sharp voice broke the silence.
Sister Victoria:
"Kate! What is that under your desk?"
The room froze. Kate hesitated before reluctantly pulling out a small piece of paper filled with handwritten notes—the Ten Commandments in sequence.
Sister Victoria:
"Stand up and bring that to me. Now!"
Kate, her face flushed with embarrassment, walked to the front of the room and handed over the chit.
Sister Victoria:
"Cheating is not just an academic offense; it is a moral failure. You know this. Leave the hall immediately. Your paper is disqualified."
Kate's eyes filled with tears as she grabbed her belongings and left the hall, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the heavy silence. Maria and Catherine exchanged a sad glance but quickly refocused on their papers.
---
After the Exam
When the bell rang, signaling the end of the exam, Maria and Catherine finished their final sentences and handed in their papers. As they walked out, their thoughts lingered on Kate.
Catherine:
"I can't believe she did that. Kate has always been so quiet and hardworking."
Maria:
"She must have been really desperate. I feel bad for her, but cheating was a terrible decision."
The two decided to head to the cafeteria to grab tea and discuss the paper.
Catherine:
"How do you think you did?"
Maria:
"I think I answered the questions well, especially the one about contemporary moral dilemmas. What about you?"
Catherine:
"I struggled a bit with the social teachings of the Church, but I think I did okay overall. I just can't stop thinking about Kate."
Maria:
"Me neither. Let's try to find her later and make sure she's okay."
---
Robert's Office
Word soon spread that Kate had been taken to Father Robert's office. The punishment, they learned, was severe: her papers were canceled, and she was required to retake all her exams during the winter break before Christmas.
Maria and Catherine wanted to talk to Kate, but they couldn't approach Father Robert's office. Instead, they decided to check on her in her room later that evening.
---
Evening Visit
As the sun set and the day's hustle settled into quiet, Maria and Catherine knocked on Kate's door.
Maria:
"Kate? It's Maria and Catherine. Can we come in?"
There was a pause before the door opened slightly. Kate's face appeared, her eyes red and puffy from crying.
Kate:
"What do you want?"
Catherine:
"We just wanted to check on you. Can we come in?"
Kate hesitated but eventually opened the door. Her room was dimly lit, with papers and books scattered across her desk.
Maria:
"We heard about what happened. We're really sorry, Kate."
Kate sat on her bed, hugging a pillow.
Kate:
"Sorry? What good is that? I've ruined everything. My exams are canceled, and now I have to spend Christmas studying instead of being with my family."
Catherine:
"We know it's hard, but this doesn't define you. Everyone makes mistakes."
Maria:
"Exactly. You're not alone in this. We all face moments of weakness. What matters is how you move forward."
Kate looked at them, her expression softening slightly.
Kate:
"I don't know why I did it. I was so scared of failing that I thought... I thought a little help wouldn't hurt. But it did."
Maria:
"It's okay to feel scared, but cheating isn't the answer. Maybe this is a chance for you to reflect and come back stronger."
Catherine:
"And we're here for you. If you need help preparing for the retakes, just let us know."
Kate wiped her eyes and managed a small smile.
Kate:
"Thanks. I don't deserve your kindness, but it means a lot."
---
Reflection
As Maria and Catherine left Kate's room, they felt a mix of emotions.
Catherine:
"I hope she takes this as a lesson and doesn't lose hope."
Maria:
"She will. Sometimes, we need to face the consequences of our actions to grow. Let's pray for her tonight."
Back in her own room, Maria knelt by her bed and whispered a prayer, not just for Kate but for herself and everyone around her who was navigating their own struggles. She realized that moral teachings were not just academic subjects but daily lessons in compassion, humility, and forgiveness.
And with that, she prepared herself for the final paper, determined to end the semester with strength and grace.