8 Broken Dreams

After that episode with Alvin he started treating her a little nicely but even so,she found herself always sad and at the verge of tears.

One day,she was lost in thought while cooking in the kitchen and if not for Collette's intervention, she would have burnt herself very badly.

"What's wrong with you? You seem to lack concentration these days,if I hadn't come at the right time,only goodness knows what would have happened." Collette said angrily but when she saw a tear drop down China's face, she softened her voice.

"Come on dear,tell me what's wrong? You've been acting weird for the past few days and I won't let you die in silence." Collette persuaded holding her hand and taking her from the kitchen to the living room.

Before China could get a word out, tears had cascaded down her cheeks. "I'm tired of having to live in this house. I miss home, I miss my mum and most importantly, I miss my education." China blurted in tears.

"Dear calm down,it's OK. Everything's going to be fine." Collette tried to encourage.

"No. Nothing's going to be fine. Today's my mother's death anniversary and I'm crying so much not only because I miss her but because I couldn't fulfill the promise I made before she died." China said with a shaky voice and sad red eyes.

"I'm so sorry dear,I had no idea but what promise are you talking about?" Collette asked concerned for the poor girl.

"Before she died, she made me promise that I'd never give up without a fight no matter what trials come my way. That I'd have to always do the right thing and achieve my dreams no matter what obstacles come my way but you see that's not possible anymore." China said in between sniffs.

"What do you mean it's not possible anymore." Collette was becoming more curious by the minute.

"All hope is lost now. I've lost my scholarship and daddy will never think of sponsoring me. I will never be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor and I'll probably live the rest of my life alone, working miserably as a common maid." China said solemnly.

"You've failed your mother already." Collette said.

"What?" China questioned.

"Yes,because you're giving up without a fight,you've lost all hope and you're still so young. Even though I'm not that young anymore, I still strive to achieve my dream of owning a five star restaurant even though I have to raise two kids on my own." Collette said and paused to see China's reaction.

"Why is that?" China said wiping her tears.

"It's because I'm sure of one thing, as long as there's life, there's hope so you should never give up no matter the circumstances you find yourself. You have to nurse your dreams and build on it in your heart,work so hard to achieve and before you know it,you've achieved it." Collette said.

"Thanks for reminding me of what was important and encouraging me to pursue my dreams." China said and hugged Collette.

"You're welcome dear and always remember, never give up on your dreams." Collette said hugging back.