It was a resplendent Sunday morning, the kind where the sun's rays danced through the curtains, casting playful shadows on the walls. Charlotte, a lively ten-year-old with a cascade of chestnut curls, was bustling about her room, packing her belongings into boxes. Her family was moving to a new house, and the air was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.
As she sifted through her things, a bright pink present box caught her eye. Intrigued, Charlotte walked over and gently lifted the lid. Inside lay a pink fountain pen, gleaming in the morning light. Instantly, memories of a special day flooded her mind.
It was a crisp Friday morning, and Charlotte was in her English class. Mrs Lim, her kind yet firm teacher, stood at the front of the room. "Class," she announced, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation, "please remember that there is a spelling test tomorrow. Revise your spelling words well. The students who score full marks will receive a special prize from me - a fountain pen!"
A buzz of excitement rippled through the classroom. Charlotte's heart skipped a beat at the mention of a fountain pen. She had always longed for one, but it was a luxury her family couldn't afford.
"Ring! Ring!" The dismissal bell chimed, and the school erupted into a symphony of chatter and laughter. Charlotte dashed to catch her bus, her mind set on the spelling test. Once home, she tossed her bag aside, took a quick shower, and devoured her lunch. With determination etched on her face, she sat at her desk, spelling list in hand.
The words were challenging, each one a mountain to climb. Yet, Charlotte was resolute. She practised tirelessly, her pencil dancing across the page. When she felt ready, she called her mother to test her. By the time they finished, the sky had turned deep indigo. Exhausted but hopeful, Charlotte packed her bag and drifted into a dreamless sleep.
The next day, the third period arrived - English. Some students appeared confident, while others frantically reviewed their spelling lists. Mrs Lim entered the room, and a hush fell over the class. She distributed the test papers and began reciting the words. The room was filled with the soft scratching of pens on paper.
Once the test was over, Mrs Lim collected the papers and instructed the class to read silently while she marked them. Charlotte's heart pounded in her chest, her eyes skimming the pages of her book without absorbing a single word.
The following day, anticipation hung thick in the air. As the bell rang, Mrs Lim entered, holding two small pink boxes. Charlotte's heart soared - two students had achieved full marks. "The students who scored full marks are..." Mrs Lim paused for effect, "Charlotte and Sabrina!"
A collective gasp echoed through the room. Charlotte's eyes widened in disbelief, then filled with tears of joy. It was her first perfect score. She and Sabrina walked to the front, their classmates applauding enthusiastically.
"Charlotte! Are you done? The moving truck is here!" her mother's voice called from downstairs. Charlotte snapped back to the present, a smile spreading across her face. "Coming!" she replied, carefully placing the fountain pen back in its box.
As she carried her boxes to the truck, Charlotte reflected on the precious gift. The fountain pen was more than just a writing instrument; it was a symbol of perseverance and a reminder of that unforgettable day. She realised that with hard work and determination, she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
