Page 61 - 2024-2025 Creative Writing

The Prize

My life has been hollow and empty for the past two years. On this random night in

July, I lost everything sincere and precious to me. I lost my parents due to a car

accident. Even though I lost hope in everything, the reason that I am living is for my

sister. She only has me, and I only have her.

I’ve been working part-time jobs along with my studies to make a living. It’s

unbearable to see my one and only sister struggling; that is why I am keeping up with

these unfair jobs. My dream was to work in the office, make friends, and live

normally.

There is a worker named Emma in my current restaurant. We have been going home

together after our shifts, talking about almost everything possible. I think we just

clicked. She does this job just to have experience. She doesn’t need to work to bear

the sleepless nights and days without food. I think that’s what I want. Emma helps me

around my home, taking my sister to her school and everything.

I decided to try hard and take the entrance exam for my local university. I haven’t

studied well recently because I can’t keep up with my work, but it’s worth trying. I go

to the local library to study with Emma during our break at work and school lessons.

I’ve been doing well recently with the mock tests, and I’m confident that I will pass

the exam. The morning of the exam, Emma volunteered to take my sister to her school

and left with confidence. As I walked there, I wasn’t upset if I failed the test because

the prize was not the opportunity to go to college, but my friend, Emma.

J. Namuunzaya 11B