That’s Why You Can’t Give Up

It had been a day since Sensei received the news that she did not pass the interview stage of a job she applied for. While she continues to act normal and complete her duties as the school’s nurse, I could tell by her expressions that she wasn’t doing well. Even Haurmo-sensei noticed the change in her friend. During lunch, I overheard her confronting Sensei.

“Ri-chan-sensei!”

“Yes?”

“You were spacing out for a moment.”

“I was? I didn’t realise. Sorry”

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah. Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Kurosawa-san and the other students came to me, saying they were worried about you.”

“They did? Kurosawa did? He’s worried about me? I see. Well, I’ll let them know I’m doing fine when I see them.”

“If you say so.”

Later that night, I tried texting her, but she never replied.

“Did she respond?” Karou asked

“Nope.”

“I see. Do you think Sensei’s okay?”

“No. I think she’s suppressing her disappointment.”

“What’s this about Sensei?” Reika was standing in the doorframe, having overheard our conversation.

“She didn’t get a job.”

“I see. And she’s sad, I presume.”

“Well, she says she isn’t, but it’s clear she’s been hiding that she is.”

“Remember when I was applying for university? I didn’t get into my first choice.”

“Yeah. But you still got accepted into a good one.”

“Yeah, but I was still disappointed.”

“Okay, so what’s your point?”

“What I’m trying to say is that while one door closes, another one will open. She’ll get another chance someday.”

“Wow. That’s like the best advice you’ve ever given anyone.”

“I know right.” She said proudly.

“Speaking of which, did you contact the university to see if it was possible for you to complete your final year?”

“No, not yet.”

“Then what are you doing here, listening in on our conversation? Go call them!”

“It’s almost midnight, though.”

“Then you better call them tomorrow morning!”

“Yeah. Yeah.”

Reika was right. Sensei was a year older than my sister. As a fresh university graduate, she was probably trying to find her rightful place in society. It would be understandable if she burst into tears and began cursing the school for not considering her a valuable asset, but she was a mature adult, so she had to remain professional. Nevertheless, I could tell it was eating her up inside.

The next day, the thought of Sensei’s depression distracted me during PE, causing me to trip over and scraps my knee. Despite the small pain I was feeling, I was somewhat happy I had an accident since it meant I could confront Sensei in the nurse’s office.

When I entered the nurse’s office, I found Sensei with her head on her desk.

“Um, excuse me, Sensei?”

She jolted up after hearing my voice.

“Sorry. Were you asleep?”

“Ah, no. I was just resting my eyes. What can I do for you, Kurosawa?”

“I injured myself during PE.”

“I see. Let me take a look.”

As Sensei inspected my knee, I noticed she had some bed hair—she usually makes sure her hair is nice and straight—and her clothes weren’t ironed, suggesting she had woken up late today. A lack of sleep also meant she was less alert, and consequently, she did notice that she applied lotion to my knee instead of a cleaning agent.

“Um, Sensei. That’s lotion…”

“Ah! I’m really sorry.” She quickly wiped the lotion off and wiped my knee with a cleaning alcohol-covered cloth.

It was clear that she wasn’t able to concentrate on her work after she was declined by the other school. It pained me to see Sensei in this state, so I decided to take action.

“Sensei, what time do you finish work today?”

“I have a meeting later, so I’ll be finishing late. Why do you ask?”

“If that’s the case, I’ll wait for you outside.”

“Why?”

“I want to go on a walk with you. Is that okay?”

Sensei looked really confused, but she agreed to meet me after school.

Under the sun’s gentle glow, everything was bathed in a warm, golden light. Leaves of gold and amber rustled in the breeze. There was a sense of tranquility in the air. I saw Sensei exit the school and walk towards the gate.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Kurosawa.”

“No worries. Shall we go?”

Fall was my favourite season. I also liked the stunning scenery that the season brought with it. The temperature was bearable, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as leisurely walks through parks and forests.

Sensei and I walked along the riverbank while engaging in smile talk. I wanted to make sure she felt comfortable before confronting her. We found a nice place to sit and I prepared myself for the upcoming conversation.

“Sensei, how have you been doing?”

“Huh? Oh. I’m fine.” The way she said it proved otherwise.

“Sorry, Sensei, but I don’t believe you.”

Sensei was surprised to hear those words come out of my mouth.

“Sensei, I think you’re hiding your feelings.”

“Feelings!?” She said in a state of panic. “What feelings!?”

“You’re disappointed you didn’t get the job.”

“Oh, you mean that. Am I that obvious?”

“Sensei, you can’t let it get you down. You’ll get more opportunities in the future.”

“But what if I don’t? That school was my one chance at becoming a teacher. What if I don’t get another chance?” Tears began to build up in her eyes.

“You will!” I then remembered what Reika said to me. “Just because one door closes doesn’t mean another one won’t open. You’ll always have opportunities to become a teacher, so don’t give up on your dreams.”

There was a brief moment of silence. Sensei’s eyes softened with a mixture of vulnerability and contemplation, her gaze revealing she had absorbed my words.

She scoffed. “How are you always this optimistic, Kurosawa?”

“I don’t know. I guess that’s just how I am.”

“Never change, Kurosawa.”

“And believe in yourself more, Sensei. Because I believe in you.”

Sensei’s eyes widened again. She smiled at me, conveying a sense of newfound confidence.

“Yeah. I’ll do my best.”

Over the next week, she applied for other jobs at other schools and universities, determined to find a job that fit her. I was glad that I was able to pull her out of her depression and reignite her desire to find her dream job.