The final week of exams had been grueling, but today marked the end of it all. The last paper on religious matters and practices was scheduled from 9 AM to 12 noon. The atmosphere in Saint Michael Religious Academy was tense in the morning, with students reviewing their notes one last time, their eyes heavy with exhaustion yet hopeful for a good outcome.
Maria sat at her assigned seat in the exam hall, gripping her pen tightly as she glanced at the question paper. The first question alone was intricate, requiring deep analysis of theological doctrines. She took a deep breath, her mind settling into focus. Hours passed as she wrote, pouring her knowledge and reflections onto the pages, her thoughts structured and clear. At exactly noon, the examiner announced the end of the exam, and the students placed their pens down, sighing in relief.
As Maria exited the exam hall, she felt a wave of exhaustion mixed with relief. The cold winter air outside was sharp against her skin, making her pull her coat tighter around her. Her friends Kate, Emma, Emily, Fiona, and Catherine caught up with her in the hallway, all sharing the same sense of release.
"Finally! It's over!" Kate exclaimed, stretching her arms above her head. "No more late-night cramming, no more waking up at dawn with our noses buried in books."
"That last question on the historical significance of early Christian practices nearly killed me," Emma groaned. "I swear, I wrote an entire paragraph that made no sense."
Emily chuckled. "At this point, I just hope our professors are feeling merciful."
Fiona rubbed her temples. "Let's not think about the results right now. We deserve a proper break."
Maria smiled faintly at their chatter, though a familiar ache settled in her chest. Winter vacation was approaching, and her friends would soon leave for their homes. But for Maria, there was no home to return to—only memories she wished she could forget.
The group made their way to the cafeteria at 1 PM, where the warm scent of freshly baked bread and steaming soup filled the air. The tables were bustling with students who had just finished their exams, the tension of the past weeks now replaced with laughter and chatter.
They settled at their usual table, trays in hand. Maria sat beside Catherine, who had been quieter than usual. As the others spoke excitedly about their plans for the break, Maria found herself sinking into silence, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her cup of tea.
"I can't wait to be home," Kate said, her voice filled with excitement. "Mom already promised to make my favorite roast lamb for our Christmas dinner. And I get to see my little brother again—he's been pestering me with letters about how much he misses me."
"Same here," Fiona chimed in. "I miss my dad's cooking. He makes the best homemade pasta. I plan to sleep for two days straight and then eat my weight in food."
Emma grinned. "My mom's been knitting me a new scarf. She says it's a surprise, but I already peeked at it last time. It's a mess of red and green, but I love it anyway."
Emily chuckled. "I'm just looking forward to sleeping in my own bed without hearing Kate's midnight monologues."
Kate feigned offense. "Excuse me! My late-night thoughts are inspirational."
The table erupted in laughter, but Maria remained silent, a hollow feeling settling in her chest. The warmth of family, the comfort of returning to a place called home—these were things she had lost forever. Her parents and younger brother were gone, brutally taken from her. And the house she once called home was nothing more than a memory tainted by grief.
Noticing Maria's silence, Catherine turned to her. "What about you, Maria? Do you have any plans for the break?"
Maria hesitated before forcing a small smile. "I'll just stay here. There's nowhere else to go."
Her voice was steady, but Catherine could sense the weight behind her words. While the others were too caught up in their excitement, Catherine understood the depth of Maria's loneliness better than anyone.
"Then I'll stay too," Catherine said simply.
Maria blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
Catherine shrugged. "I'm not going home either."
Maria frowned slightly. "But your family—won't they be expecting you?"
Catherine smiled, her eyes kind. "They'll understand. Besides, I don't want you to be alone."
Maria felt a lump form in her throat. She had braced herself for the solitude of the coming weeks, but Catherine's words filled her with unexpected warmth. It had been a long time since someone had chosen to stay by her side without obligation or pity.
Kate, who had been listening in, smirked. "Oh, so you two are having a cozy little holiday together? Should we be jealous?"
Catherine rolled her eyes. "You should be honored. We'll be celebrating in our own way—silent reflection, tea, and maybe a book or two."
Emma grinned. "That sounds thrilling."
Fiona laughed. "Don't have too much fun without us."
Kate placed a dramatic hand over her heart. "I can already hear the bells of friendship ringing! Maria and Catherine, the inseparable duo."
Maria chuckled, the heaviness in her heart lifting just a little. "You're ridiculous, Kate."
Kate grinned. "That's why you love me."
Their lunch meeting ended on a lighthearted note, filled with laughter and teasing. As they left the cafeteria, Maria glanced at Catherine, gratitude shining in her eyes.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Catherine smiled. "That's what friends are for."
And for the first time in a long while, Maria felt that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought.