Leah In the Quad

I have no idea how I came to be here. The only logical conclusion I can come up with is that I somehow fell asleep again (which I so often do these days in my old age) and am dreaming, or maybe this is a vision I was meant to see. I’ll know soon, I guess.

Anyway, that is neither here nor there. But I must confess I was awed by my surroundings when I first set eyes on this place. The buildings were solidly-built with strong stones and bricks, and each structure was several dozens of feet tall. I have never been here before, but I went along with it since I believe this is all just a dream. I thought to myself, What would it have been like for one of Anatole’s students to learn in one of those impressive buildings? To look out the window each day and see the sun shining brightly on perfectly green grass next to smooth concrete walkways? To hear the laughter of the students already here and listen to their music?

But alas, it was not meant to be in the Congo. A pang of regret pierced my heart. Will my time there always haunt me? Again, I ask God (if it is true he even exists), For what purpose were we sent there? Why did we need to suffer such pain and heartache each day? Tell me because I want to know!

But as I stand surrounded by this school that is unknown to me, practically shaking with anger, I know somehow. Anatole is the reason. Pascal, Patrice, Martin-Lothaire, and Nataliel. I lost my sister, but I gained much more back. Why, you may ask? I still don’t know.

I glance at the buildings once more as if they could in some way give me the answer, but I may never know or even acknowledge what it is. I watch some birds alight into a tree, but for once I close my eyes and turn away.