RPIS News – Sixth Article

“The Sun in the midst of a Storm:
Gail’s Journey with Change”

Published January 27, 2025
Student writer/artist’s brief bio is below this story

—Author is RPIS Ninth Grader—

     During the winter break I started creating a story that challenges the characters to break free from their shells and discover their true selves.  The characters must lose people, hope, and faith, but gain a new bond that is simply unbreakable.  I would like to gradually welcome you into my world by introducing the main character, Gail.  Hopefully, you will start to be able to connect with her after reading this.

     Growing up, Gail spent most of her time with her mother.  Her dad was always busy working.  A fond memory they shared was when he bought her a piece of strawberry cheesecake.  Till this day she still remembers a sourness that slowly turned sweet — a representation of her dad’s love.  Even though it might not be heard, it could be felt.  Especially on the day where tragedy struck and her city was raided, her dad protected her as if she was his last living breath.  A love that is so pure, yet never expressed in words.

     In Gail’s world, birds are quite a common companion.  They could communicate and they had their own abilities.  Gail never had much interest in birds, she always thought that they were merely talking decorations.  Until one day she stumbled upon a small gloster canary that was lying on the street.  She decided to take care of it and soon enough it had a special place in her heart.

     Everyone was working hard to rebuild the city.  Even though it was hard to tell who she could trust because sugar and salt taste different but look alike.  In those desperate moments, someone you once knew could easily trade you for their own safety.  Luckily she had Belle, her bird which had the ability to warn her of dangerous people. Together they would steadily form everlasting friendships that would withstand the test of time.

     During the raid Gail lost her mother, a person who she always looked up to and could rely on.  Gail looked at her mother as if she hung the stars in the sky.  Her world was shattered into pieces when she had to witness the death of her mother.  When the survivors gathered together they devised a plan to retake their city.  Since her mother was famous for being such a dependable person, they chose Gail to lead the group of young warriors.

     Now Gail must learn to lead and be independent, to grow from the roots which her mother planted for her.  It seems like her mother’s presence never left her side, everywhere she would go there would be buttercups blossoming from the ground.  Her mother once noted that buttercups symbolize joy and happiness, which always reminded her of Gail.  Those words will later motivate Gail to blossom with joy against all odds, just like buttercups that bloom within shallow soils.