Comprehension Open-Ended 3: SING TO THE DAWN

     “Now, listen,” the teacher said in a deep solemn voice. “I have an important announcement to make.”

     The results of the examination were released early that morning and the best student in the class based on that examination would get a scholarship to study in the big city school, away from the village.  The class had been waiting the entire day and their teacher was finally announcing the results.

     Dawn stole a quick glance at her twin brother, but he had eyes only for the teacher. His whole being was taut with anticipation.  Dawn knew that her brother had all his hopes pinned on this scholarship to study in the big city as their family could not afford to send him there on their own.  Her brother had always been top of the class and it would come as no surprise to anyone if he got it. Just as Dawn was thinking how it would be without her brother around, the teacher announced that Dawn had gotten the scholarship.  Her classmates cheered and congratulated her.

     “How could it be me and not my brother? It must be a mistake,” she asked her teacher, whilst sneaking a peek at her brother.  His face was downcast.

     “There is no mistake, Dawn.  You have done us proud and have proven that a girl is as capable of achieving excellent results in her studies as a boy.  Go home and share the good news with your family!” her teacher said.

     Just then, the bell rang. Before she knew it, she was surrounded by classmates who bombarded her with questions.  All she wanted was to check on her brother.  She scanned the classroom and spotted him standing alone in the doorway.  Dawn called out to him and attempted to ram her way through the crowd.  However, he had already turned away and stalked out, leaving Dawn helpless.

     They had always walked back home together. The walk home alone felt much longer.  As she trailed along the path toward home, she contemplated on how she should break the news to her parents. Her father had never approved of her going to school.  However, her brother was determined to change that.  It was only after much persuasion from her brother that he had reluctantly allowed her to do so.  To him, there was no use for girls to study.  They should be looking after the family needs at home.

     When she got home, her parents were at the door, anxious to know why they had taken so long to come home. Dawn’s brother was not home yet.  Dawn’s mother knew that something was amiss and asked what had happened.  Dawn kept silent.  She refused to look at anybody or answer any questions.  Her father started to grow impatient and demanded for a response.  She broke the news.

     Dawn’s father was disappointed she had taken away her brother’s chance.  Her mother took her into her arms and praised her for getting the scholarship, her face beaming with pride.  She assured Dawn that her father and brother would come around and she should take the scholarship. Dawn did not expect to be faced with such a dilemma. 

Adapted from: Sing to the Dawn by Minfong Ho – KHPS 2017 CA2