Fiction: Group 2
suppressed their laughter. Miss Lavinia stared at the spectators with her cold blue eyes. “Why are you still
here? Leave. I said I wanted a private chat with Sophie. I suppose you all know understand English. Go.”
The class hurriedly broke up. In no time, the classroom was deserted except for the two of them. Miss
Lavinia’s voice broke the silence. “Sit. You have been distracted for days. You were my star pupil. But
now… what is on your mind?” Sophie’s face grew hot and she dropped her gaze.
“Tell me, Sophie.” Miss Lavinia’s voice was surprisingly gentle. Everything tumbled out of Sophie’s mouth.
She told Miss Lavinia everything, from the start to the end. Miss Lavinia rested her chin on her hands and
took a sip of coffee.
“Sophie, you have raised an interesting question. Every place has its history. Everything has its reason. The
Pearl River Delta is no exception. We have to accept that. Everywhere is the same. Some people are lucky
but some are not. We should try to help, but we should not blame ourselves for other people’s misfortune.
You have a good heart. If you really want to help, you have to first make yourself useful. Study hard. When
you grow up, you can help them to acquire skills. You can also help by providing them opportunities to
make a better living.”
Sophie thanked Miss Lavinia. When she reached the classroom door, the teacher called, “Sophie, have faith.
The boys can make it. Pearl River Delta is a place of hope and the people here are tough. I’m sure, in time
to come, they can turn their misfortune into fortune.”
