Paul Juralowicz

11/10/17
Block D
The Best Gifts are the Simplest Ones: The Gift of Love
There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.

--George Sand
How was your day? Is it worth giving her a different answer? I thought to myself. I
uttered the same response I always had, like a program following code.
It was boring, mom. She studied my face, created a thesis based on every pimple,
wrinkle, and nuanced change in expression.
Is everything all right? she asked. The inquiry sparked a fiery internal debate. One side
screeched Tell her the truth! You cant go through this alone! The other howled their rebuttal
She is encumbered already! Dont weigh on her any more!
Im just tired, I said, dont worry about it. For the millionth time, they won again. I
kept my sorrows internalized for another day.
Every time I clawed my way into my room after a long day of school, I dove further into
the abyss. I would find myself staring at my monitor for what felt like seconds, only for the sun
to set around me. The flow of time itself was convoluted; some days felt like seconds while
others had me trapped for an eternity. My mind was a lake, with each emotion causing ripples to
race across. Every night, I would snap back to reality as I lay in bed, not knowing what to do
with myself, where to go next, or how to continue. With every passing day I lost a part of me.
Soon, there would be nothing left but a walking husk of a former man.
It was a cool spring day, the wind was blowing, and the sky was dotted with clouds. I
had trudged through school for the day, and wanted nothing more than to repeat the cycle. I was
on the edge. I was about to plummet down the depths. Then, I saw the light. It was faint at first,
almost completely consumed by the surrounding gloom. I arose from my chair, to follow its
path. That is when I saw her.
She was beautiful in every way. Her eyes-- brown and sweet as hot chocolate-- pierced
my heart. Her hair was grossly incandescent, like the sun. Despite her size, the fabric of space
time bent around me. I examined every detail for as long as I could. The lake had become
placid.
The cycle had shifted. I slowly climbed out of the abyss as I spent time with her. Every
day where the monitor was shut off I ascended to the light. Time had normalized; no longer did
days feel like centuries or seconds. Each moment spent with her by my side was a blessing.
How was your day? my mother would ask. Barking could be heard from some far-off
room of the house. My eyes darted, scanning for the source of the sound. The pitter patter of
claws hitting the wooden floor grew louder as she neared. Out of the corner of my vision, I saw
her dart towards me, wagging her tail. She panted as she jumped up try to lick my face.
It was great, I replied, if you need me, I will be outside with the dog.

Dialogue conclusion