The Calm Before the Storm
The academy had announced 15 days of vacation following the exhausting exam period. Most students had been relaxing, catching up on sleep, and spending time in peaceful reflection. The air was lighter, free from the stress of endless study sessions and tests.
Maria's group had been enjoying the break, often gathering in the gardens, discussing their plans for the holidays. The days were passing peacefully—until the shocking news arrived.
On the eighth day of their break, Maria was in the library with Catherine, Emily, and Kate, flipping through some theological books when Rachel burst into the room, panting as if she had just run a mile.
Rachel: (breathing heavily) "Have you guys heard the news?"
Maria looked up from her book, raising an eyebrow.
Maria: "What happened?"
Rachel swallowed hard before speaking.
Rachel: "Tara… she's been expelled."
The words hung in the air like a heavy cloud.
---
A Harsh Punishment
Catherine gasped, covering her mouth.
Catherine: (in shock) "Expelled? Are you serious?"
Rachel nodded grimly.
Rachel: "Yes. Not only that, but her study visa has been canceled too. She's leaving the academy today—she's already packing her bags."
Emily closed her book with a thud and exchanged glances with Maria.
Emily: (softly) "This is worse than I thought. I knew cheating was a serious offense, but… expulsion? And canceling her visa?"
Kate: (whispering) "She must be devastated."
Maria sighed and placed her book down, her mind processing the severity of the situation.
Maria: "It's a strict institution, and they don't tolerate dishonesty. This is why we always say—shortcuts lead to downfall."
Catherine looked torn.
Catherine: (murmuring) "But still… she must be feeling so alone right now."
---
The Last Walk Through the Academy
Later that afternoon, the group walked toward the dormitory hallway, where Tara's room was located. As they turned the corner, they saw Tara standing by the door, her suitcase beside her.
She was wearing a simple navy-blue dress, her face pale and void of expression.
The termination letter was folded tightly in her hand. The weight of disgrace hung over her shoulders, making her look smaller than ever.
A few other students stood nearby, whispering and exchanging glances. But no one approached her. No one knew what to say.
Maria's group hesitated at a distance, watching the scene unfold.
Tara's hands trembled slightly as she adjusted her bag's strap. Her eyes remained fixed on the floor.
Then, Sister Melissa appeared.
She stood in front of Tara, her gaze firm but not unkind.
Sister Melissa: (calmly but sternly) "Your transport is waiting outside. You must leave immediately."
Tara nodded stiffly.
She turned her gaze toward the hallway, as if trying to capture one last memory of the place she had once called home.
---
A Farewell Without Words
Maria and the others watched silently, unsure if they should say something.
Catherine took a step forward, but Maria lightly touched her arm, stopping her.
Maria: (gently but firmly) "This is her journey now, Catherine."
Catherine hesitated, then slowly stepped back.
Tara lifted her head slightly and, for the first time, her gaze met Maria's.
There was no hostility. No anger.
Just… resignation.
Then, without a word, Tara picked up her bags and walked down the hallway toward the exit.
---
Watching Her Leave
The group followed at a distance, standing just outside the large entrance doors as Tara's cab pulled up.
The driver stepped out to help her load her luggage.
Tara stood still for a moment, looking up at the academy building.
It was a place where she had spent so many days… where she had once dreamed of completing her religious studies.
But now, it was a place she would never return to.
With one last deep breath, she stepped into the cab, and the door closed behind her with a final click.
The engine started, and within moments, the car disappeared down the long road, leaving nothing but silence in its wake.
---
Aftermath: The Weight of a Mistake
The group stood in silence for a long time before Rachel finally spoke.
Rachel: (whispering) "She's really gone."
Emily sighed, crossing her arms.
Emily: "She made a mistake. A serious one. And now… she's paying the price."
Kate looked up at Maria, her expression troubled.
Kate: (softly) "Do you think she deserved it?"
Maria thought for a moment before answering.
Maria: (carefully) "I don't think it's about what she deserved, Kate. It's about the choices we make and the consequences that follow."
Catherine, still staring at the road where Tara's cab had vanished, spoke quietly.
Catherine: "I just wish she had chosen differently."
Maria nodded.
Maria: "We all do, Catherine. But we can't change the past. All we can do is learn from it."
The group stood there for a little longer, the wind whispering through the trees, as the weight of the day settled upon them.
Tara was gone.
And though life at the academy would continue… her absence would remain a silent reminder of the price of dishonesty.