Chapter 2
Time is passing like wind without a trace, just to swirl around the days.
Jill is a Black American who is very energetic and attentive at school. She is the leader of the cheerleading team and has a boyfriend who is a Spanish American.
Jill likes to make friends, so she tried to approach Jay. However, Jay was nervous about talking to people. Jill has met many people with mental illness because her mother is a psychologist and her aunt lived with schizophrenia for a long time.
That's why Jill is very generous and kind when speaking with people who have mental illness. She decides to wait until Jay feels comfortable and adjusts to school a bit for many reasons.
Seventeen-year-olds...
They realize things don't go as smoothly as they thought in the world. They want to make friends, fall in love and decide whether to go to university or start working.
Everyone has dreams for the future. Some seem limitless, others seem unbelievable. But youth has the privilege to have the unimaginable and daring dream no matter what.
In class, many groups are formed by many characters but Jay is alone all day long. Girls tend to apply makeup and decorate accessories. Boys tend to flirt with pretty girls. It's a typical teenage life.
Jill, warm-hearted and kind, is one of the few who notices Jay. School is a condensed society, full of noise and conflict among many people. It's natural to learn how to survive in a tough and unsympathetic world.
Time passes like harsh winds. Jay is still alone, but she endeavors to study by herself. Warm winds are approaching—it's going to get hotter.
Summer vacation begins, so Jay has free time to play with Benji and read many books. His mom is always busy with work, but she never forgets to hug and kiss Jay. Although Jay sometimes feels lonely, she studies hard, inspired by her mother's deep love and bright smile.
During summer vacation, Jay volunteers to assist at a child care center in Oklahoma City. She enrolls as one of seven volunteers, and among them is Jill.
Jill approaches her and says, "Good morning, I'm happy to see you here."
Jay, in a good mood, replies, "Good morning, me too."
Jill is surprised that Jay greeted her.
It was the start of a heartfelt friendship between Jay and Jill.
The child care center has many children with domestic problems. They lack real affection and healthy food.
Jay is a good assistant, helping the nanny take care of children aged three to five. Some babies have been abandoned by their parents because of disability, illness, or poverty. Others are victims of domestic violence.
Jay feels how poor and sad their lives are. She reflects on how fortunate she is to have diligent and faithful parents who love her deeply.
Jill is responsible for taking care of six- to eight-year-old children. She is good at treating children because she has volunteered every vacation since she was ten years old.
There are seven volunteers from different high schools in Oklahoma, and they are hardworking with warm personalities, which makes it easy for Jay to talk to them. This helps Jay begin speaking to many people more comfortably. Her face becomes brighter and more relaxed.
It is the last day of volunteering at the child care center, and Jay feels sad to say goodbye to the babies and children.
After finishing her volunteer report, Jill asks, "Do you have time this Sunday to come over to my house?"
Jay is so surprised to hear that—she never imagined visiting someone's home.
Feeling grateful, she replies, "I will… but first I need to ask my mom."
Jill smiles and says, "Okay, then can we exchange Messenger?"
Jay has only used Messenger with her mom, dad, and grandma, so she is delighted to connect with Jill.
When she comes home and eats dinner with her mom, Jay tells her about the child care center work and Jill's invitation.
Her mom shows a big smile and says, "I already knew you were a good friend to Jill. Okay, go to her house with the pumpkin cake I'll make for you two."
Mom's pumpkin cake is the most delicious treat.
Mom and Jay glow with radiant happiness, as Benji dances with her soft tail shimmering in joy.