Winter Swan

The next day in the afternoon, one of Silje's teachers, Annika, called her in for a meeting.

Silje was recently disappointed by the school and all the teachers when she reported the bullying problem involving Jamal, so she had no expectations when she entered the consultation room.

"Come in, Silje."

Annika smiled kindly and welcomed her into the room.

Like Silje, Annika was very tall with a height of 176 cm. She was known for being understanding and fair among the students.

For a long time, Silje secretly thought that if any of the teachers was going to help her, it would be Annika. Hiding her hope, Silje agreed to this meeting nonchalantly.

Annika said to her, "Silje, I saw you got a C on the last geometry test. You also barely used your calculator during your exam."

"I'm sorry. It's true that I don't like math, but I will try harder, especially calculus."

"Alright, I'm glad to hear that. Silje, I have always tried to teach in a slow, relaxed manner so kids can find their interest in math, but I guess perhaps that wasn't enough for you. If you focus on knowing your equations and functions, you should be fine. You shouldn't fail."

"Okay, I will do my best."

When Silje answered obediently, Annika smiled and continued, "Silje, I also noticed that you are doing very well in your history, philosophy, and language classes. The literature teacher told me that you are a very talented writer. She said you wrote a story titled 'Light and Shadow', and it was amazing. Is this true?"

"Oh, yes. I was told I did well on that project."

"Your literature teacher said that you need to watch your grammar, but otherwise, you should keep up the good work. Writing is in your blood."

"Thank you."

When Silje continued to look tense, Annika smiled quietly. She then gave her a concerned look.

"Silje, have you ever heard of AOF? AOF is an educational association in Norway and I belong to it. And because of this, I think it is my responsibility to report the unfair and horrible things that are happening in this school. What I want to tell you is that what is happening to you isn't normal and I am aware of it. The Green Party, Miljøpartiet De Grønne, does exist. And in this country, what you are going through is very rare. For a long time, I have thought carefully of what I need to do. After all, I did feel uncomfortable letting these awful things happen to you."

Silje listened quietly to her teacher. She couldn't tell her, but Silje felt a little better knowing that there was at least one person who was concerned for her and tried to find a way to help her.

Annika continued, "I'm not saying there is no racism or bullying in Norway. Up to 20% of the population supports the extreme right party, which promotes the policy that denies immigration opportunity to non-white applicants. But what concerns me right now is what is happening in this school. The main problem is that this school's chairman is a major figure in that right-wing party. On top of that, this school is filled with rich spoiled kids and teachers who ignore the obvious signs of bullying and racism. This is definitely not normal. Why are they keeping quiet about this issue? Because if the problem becomes known, this school will be closed immediately."

Annika explained calmly as she looked into Silje's eyes. Silje listened without reacting. If the chairman belonged to the extreme right-wing, then it was unlikely that the school was going to help her at all.

Her teacher took her hand.

"I will tell you only the truth. Silje, I will be resigning very soon from this school. Unfortunately, I can't fight the entire school by myself. Of course, I will be reporting to the newspapers and the student ombudsman about your story, but I wanted to make sure that it is okay with you. That is why I asked for this meeting."

Annika was asking Silje what she wanted.

"Silje, do you know the population of Oslo?"

Silje thought for a second before answering.

"500,000."

"That's right. If your story gets published in the newspaper, 500,000 people will become familiar with your situation. If it was any other kid, I would've already done this, but based on my observation of you, I decided that you wouldn't want it. You wouldn't want this problem to become bigger and publicized. I thought that perhaps you would want to endure it for another year and just graduate. Was I right? What do you think, Silje?"

All of Norway knowing about her?

Silje froze just from the thought of it.

Her teacher was waiting for her decision.

To report it to the newspapers so people could read about her? It wasn't that Silje never considered this. There were many times in the past when she was close to doing it on her bad days.

And if she did, she was sure that it would shock Norway as a whole. Equality and human rights were extremely important concepts in Norway, and Silje was sure that the people would be outraged. Like her teacher suggested, she knew this school would be closed. She would be protected and moved to another school. If she was lucky, she would safely graduate from her new school. However, it was also possible that she would end up in another school where she would be bullied again secretly.

Silje didn't care except for the fact that she had a plan in motion already. She was going to be independent very soon, and if her situation were to be reported to the newspaper, her plan was going to be ruined.

Two choices. To keep going as she has done so far, or to stir things up and enter unknown territory.

In truth, Silje had only one option. She had to think of her adoptive parents. No matter what, they adopted her and took care of her in a way that they thought was best.

Silje caused them so much grief and worries so far. If her story became known, her adoptive parents would receive harsh criticism.

Just one more year.

In a year, she was going to graduate and leave this place.

A long time ago, Silje already decided that she was going to escape this place on her own.

Silje looked at Annika, the only teacher who was trying to help her.

"Thank you. Until now, no one has tried to help me, just knowing that you thought of me makes me happy. I really mean it… But you're right. I don't want my story to be released to the public. I want to finish my education here quietly and graduate."

"Alright. I will respect your decision, Silje. I have watched you and I know that you are a strong upright young woman. You are an excellent student and you are also very brave and just. I understand why you would distrust this school and people in general, but I hope that you will be able to open your heart someday to others. That would be the only way for you to live life to the fullest. No one can live by themselves. I know that you are in a painful situation, and I know it will be very hard for you to trust anyone. But I truly believe that someday, you will learn how to do it."

Silje's eyes became teary. Annika patted her shoulder and added confidently, "I can tell you this at least. After you graduate, this school will be closed. You'll see. I will make sure it does. I may not be able to help you now, but I really hope you know that you are not alone, Silje."

Her teacher wanted her to learn to live with others outside this school and Silje agreed.

Leaving the consultation room, Silje smiled bitterly.

She was going to survive. She was going to graduate.

Silje shrugged her shoulders thinking that she had done pretty well so far considering the situation. However, she had to admit that perhaps her heart was indeed too firmly closed. Up until now, she refused to let anyone in because she felt hopeless.

Suddenly, she thought of Jamal.

Yes, perhaps she should be like Jamal and attempt to get along with the other kids.