The Call of Departure
The lunch hall was alive with the usual hum of activity. Wooden chairs scraped against the tiled floor, utensils clinked against plates, and the faint murmur of conversations created a comfortable din. Maria and Catherine sat at their usual spot by the large arched window, their trays filled with the day's offering: roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and a side of steamed vegetables.
Catherine: (leaning back in her chair, scrolling through her phone)
"I swear, Maria, this weather has been testing my patience. I just hope my train doesn't get canceled again."
Maria smiled as she sipped her glass of water, her calm demeanor contrasting with Catherine's restlessness.
Maria: (teasing)
"You've been checking your phone every two minutes. Maybe the train station will call just to stop you from annoying them with inquiries."
Before Catherine could respond, her phone vibrated on the table. The screen lit up, displaying an unknown number.
Catherine: (frowning slightly)
"Speak of the devil. It's probably a spam call, but I'll answer just in case."
She swiped to accept the call and brought the phone to her ear.
Catherine:
"Hello, this is Catherine speaking."
There was a brief pause as she listened. Her eyes widened, and a broad smile spread across her face.
Catherine: (excitedly)
"Really? Oh, that's fantastic news! Thank you so much for letting me know. Yes, I'll be there on time. Thank you again!"
She ended the call and turned to Maria, practically bouncing in her seat.
Catherine: (grinning from ear to ear)
"Maria, it's happening! My train schedule has been confirmed. It's on December 21st at 6 p.m. I'll finally be able to go home!"
Maria's face lit up as she leaned across the table to congratulate her.
Maria:
"That's wonderful, Catherine! I'm so happy for you. Just two more days, and you'll be with your family."
Catherine: (clasping her hands together)
"I can't believe it. I've been waiting for this moment since the semester started. I can already picture Nathan waiting for me at the station, and Mom's warm hugs. Oh, Maria, I wish you could come with me!"
Maria chuckled softly but then sobered.
Maria:
"Catherine, before you get too carried away, there's something we need to talk about."
Catherine tilted her head, noticing the seriousness in Maria's tone.
Catherine:
"What is it?"
Maria: (gently)
"Kate. She's been through so much lately, and I don't think it's a good idea to mention your trip around her. Knowing you're leaving might make her feel even more isolated."
Catherine nodded, her excitement tempered by a wave of empathy.
Catherine:
"You're right. The last thing I want is to make her feel worse. I'll be careful."
---
Kate's Struggles
Meanwhile, in one of the smaller classrooms, Kate was hunched over her desk, a faint crease of concentration on her brow. The room was silent except for the occasional scratch of her pen against paper. This was her first exam under Father Robert's watchful eye, and the weight of his strict reputation bore down on her.
Her hands trembled slightly as she flipped to the next question. She took a deep breath, whispering a prayer under her breath.
Kate: (to herself)
"I can do this. One step at a time."
---
Catherine's Call Home
Later that afternoon, after Maria and Catherine had finished their lunch, Catherine decided to call her family to share the good news. She sat on a bench in the courtyard, the cool winter breeze brushing against her cheeks as she dialed the number.
Catherine's Mom (Elaine): (answering cheerfully)
"Hello, sweetheart! How are you?"
Catherine: (grinning)
"Hi, Mom! I have some great news. My train schedule has been confirmed. I'll be leaving on December 21st at 6 p.m.!"
Elaine let out an audible sigh of relief.
Elaine:
"Oh, thank goodness! We were so worried with all the delays. Your father and I can't wait to have you home."
Catherine: (laughing softly)
"Me too. It feels like ages since I've seen you all. How's Nathan?"
Elaine:
"He's been counting down the days until your return. He even cleaned his room—can you believe it?"
Catherine: (teasing)
"Wow, that's a miracle in itself. Maybe I should stay away longer to keep him motivated."
They both laughed, the warmth of their bond evident even over the phone.
Elaine:
"Just make sure to bundle up, honey. The weather's been unpredictable, and I don't want you catching a cold."
Catherine: (smiling)
"I will, Mom. Love you!"
Elaine:
"Love you too, sweetheart. See you soon."
Catherine ended the call, her heart swelling with joy. She couldn't wait to be home.
---
Planning to Help Kate
That evening, Catherine returned to Maria's room, her face still glowing with excitement. Maria, sitting cross-legged on her bed, looked up from her book.
Maria: (raising an eyebrow)
"You're in a good mood."
Catherine: (playfully)
"I just talked to Mom. Everyone's so excited for me to come home."
Maria smiled but quickly shifted the topic.
Maria:
"That's great, but remember, we need to focus on helping Kate tonight. She's been pushing herself too hard, and I'm worried she'll burn out."
Catherine nodded, her expression softening.
Catherine:
"You're right. Let's check on her."
---
Reaching Out
Maria and Catherine knocked on Kate's door that evening.
Kate: (opening the door, looking tired but determined)
"Oh, hey. What's up?"
Maria: (smiling)
"We thought you could use a break—and maybe a little help."
Catherine: (holding up a notebook)
"We're not leaving until you let us quiz you."
Kate chuckled, stepping aside to let them in.
Kate:
"You two are relentless, but I appreciate it. Come on in."
The three friends settled in, diving into the material together. For a while, the tension in the room lifted, replaced by laughter and camaraderie.
Catherine: (teasing)
"Kate, if you can handle Father Robert's exams, you can handle anything."
Maria: (nodding)
"Exactly. And remember, we're here for you, no matter what."
Kate smiled, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter.
---
Closing Thoughts
As the night wore on, the storm outside began to settle, and a sense of calm filled the air. Catherine's excitement about her journey and Maria's unwavering support created a balance that kept their small circle strong.
In the quiet of the evening, as Catherine and Maria returned to their rooms, Maria turned to her friend with a knowing look.
Maria:
"You've got a good heart, Catherine. I know you're excited to go home, but taking the time to help Kate means a lot."
Catherine smiled, her usual playful demeanor giving way to sincerity.
Catherine:
"She's part of our little family here. How could I not?"
With that, the two friends parted ways, their hearts full as they prepared for the days ahead.