The Pen That Changed My Life - Chapter 48 – The Festival

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A few weeks later, the school announced its annual cultural festival.

Every class would prepare performances, games, and decorations.

As soon as the announcement was made, the classroom filled with excitement.

"Our class should do a drama!"

"No, a singing performance!"

"We should decorate the entrance!"

Ideas came from every corner of the room.

I quietly listened.

As usual.

Our class teacher eventually divided the work.

Students who enjoyed performing would prepare a stage show.

Others would decorate the classroom.

Some would organize the food stalls.

"Phawin."

"Yes, sir."

"I want you to help with the decorations."

I nodded.

"Yes, sir."

"Narin."

"Yes, sir!"

"You'll help with welcoming the guests."

The entire class laughed.

"Perfect choice!"

"He's loud enough for that!"

Narin placed a hand over his heart.

"I'll represent our class with honor."

Even our teacher smiled.

For the next several days, everyone stayed after school to prepare.

The classroom was covered with colored paper, ribbons, and paint.

I stood on a chair, hanging decorations across the windows.

"Need help?" Narin asked.

"I'm fine."

"You've been saying that for ten minutes."

"I really am."

Just as I reached a little higher...

The chair wobbled.

Before I could lose my balance, Narin quickly steadied it with both hands.

"Careful."

I looked down.

"I'm okay."

"I know."

"But I'd rather catch the chair than catch you."

I smiled.

"Thank you."

On the day of the festival, the school was filled with visitors.

Parents walked through the hallways.

Children laughed as they played games.

Music echoed across the courtyard.

Narin welcomed everyone with his usual cheerful smile.

Meanwhile, I stayed inside the classroom, helping younger students with the decoration activities.

Whenever there was a quiet moment...

Our eyes would meet across the room.

Neither of us waved.

Neither of us spoke.

A small smile was enough.

Late in the afternoon, the festival finally came to an end.

The school slowly became quiet again.

As we packed away the decorations, Narin sat down beside me.

"I'm tired."

"You've been talking all day."

"My voice is gone."

"It was worth it."

He nodded.

"It was."

Then he looked at me with a smile only I understood.

"The best part wasn't the festival."

"What was?"

"Every time I looked across the room..."

"...you were there."

I looked away, trying to hide the warmth in my face.

"I was only decorating."

"I know."

"But somehow..."

"...wherever you are feels like the place I want to be."

For a moment, I couldn't think of anything to say.

So I simply smiled.

Sometimes...

Silence was the most honest answer.

And in that quiet moment, without anyone else noticing...

Our hearts spoke louder than words ever could.13Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPf3rmtCUW

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