The Silent Secret

Miranda was a young girl who was very mysterious. She loved sitting all alone in the classroom. 

No one talked to Miranda. 

Miranda talked to no one.

Those were the rules at Poppyville Middle School. Poppyville had a bad reputation. The town was eerie and abandoned. The population consisted of only 250 people. Hence, when something happened word spread like the speed of light. 

One Friday afternoon, news spread that a new family was in town. The entire town was eager to see who the new family was. 

But not Miranda.

The family who moved in had a young boy around Miranda’s age. 

The young boy, named Richard caught a short glimpse of Miranda while he was moving in and he was the uttermost curious about her. He thought she was the prettiest creation ever made. 

Therefore he started a 3 day plan to make her talk to him. He heard about her silence from the other students at school and was determined he could make her talk to him. 

He was more than interested in this so called “secret” and told the whole student body that in 5 days he could find out what Miranda’s secret was. 

If he didn’t then the student’s would think of their own consequences for Richard. 

Day 1 of Richard’s plan was to go to Miranda’s home and drop off a letter expressing his love for Miranda. 

The letter was filled with tons of compliments and expressions of love.

Richard was convinced that if Miranda knew he liked her she wouldn’t mind talking to her. 

All of the students at Poppyville doubted that Richard could make Miranda talk and find out the secret. 

Sunday morning, he went over to Miranda’s home and shaped the letter in the form of an airplane. He threw the letter to Miranda’s bedroom window which was slightly open. 

To Richard’s success the letter just barely made it through.

After coming home Richard began to obsess over figuring out this secret, and spent his time up all night thinking of what exactly Miranda’s secret was. He thought of many potential secrets such as, Miranda being shy or afraid of something, rather someone. 

Millions of reasons popped into Richard’s head but it was time for lights out and more importantly getting ready for Day 2. 

The second day of Richard’s plan involved getting Miranda to go to the neighbourhood park with him. He knew this was a challenge yet he was determined to make her say yes. As he approached Miranda’s door he began to get a little anxious. Finally he knocked on the door three times.

Knock, Knock, Knock

He waited for about 2 minutes until the door began to slowly open…

Miranda looked even prettier than she did the day Richard moved into town and laid eyes on her.  

As he asked Miranda to come to the park with him she shook her head in silence.

Richard was about to leave in disappointment until he came up with a plan to recite his letter. He thought to himself “Maybe she didn't know it was me?”.

While he was halfway done reciting the letter, Miranda’s eyes began to widen and even shed a tear or two. She covered Richard’s mouth and led him to the park. The two spent the whole afternoon joyously playing tag, hide and go seek, and swinging on the monkey bars. Yet, despite all this fun, one thing remained…

Silence. 

Richard was appalled that Miranda’s still hadn’t said one word. But it was getting late and Richard wanted to stick to his plan. Getting Miranda to talk was on the to do list for Day 3.

As it got late Richard walked Miranda home and she gave him a quick hug right before she went inside. He began to really develop feelings for Miranda and he was psyched to tell everyone at school about his day with Miranda.

Since there was no proof of Richard’s so called day at the park with Miranda no one believed him. Everyone at school thought he was bluffing. Richard became frustrated and began to careless about what the students had to say. His only motive was to now figure out why Miranda does not dare speak.

After school, Richard went over to Miranda’s home as he approached her door he knocked again 3 times..

Knock, Knock, Knock

Richard waited for about 5 minutes but no one answered. This was peculiar since Richard swore he saw Miranda at school today. As he was about to leave he noticed a letter sitting on Miranda’s front bench with Richard’s name on it..

The letter read..

I can speak in one form only…

I can speak…

In SIGN.

- Miranda

Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day is the one day of the year that we dedicate our thoughts to the ones who fought for our peace. Although we should think about them daily, this special day of memorial reminds us of the bloodshed and hardships that soldiers and their family faced. Not only do we think of the past but also the present and the many soldiers fighting in the army right now.

This day deserves the uttermost respect because we are to never forget those courageous men and women who have gotten us to where we are now. Fortunate. We are fortunate for many things that we take for granted, some of which is dedicated to veterans and the ones they've lost as well. First and foremost, we are fortunate to live in peace. There are still  war zones, yet I am thankful that I do not reside near those dangerous areas. In comparison to other less fortunate teenagers around the world, I can full-heartedly say that my life is considered lucky. I do not reside in a third world country and I am blessed with the different opportunities such as education, food, and a roof over my head. Those of which many of us take for granted in our everyday lives.

Therefore, to respect this important day, my family and I always wear the signature red poppy. The poppy is a symbol that represents  the bloodshed of the soldiers who fought and still fight in the war. Wearing this small token of importance shows our appreciation to those who have lost their lives and continue to fight. Although there has been speculation recently about changing the original red poppy to a white poppy. The means of this change is because the white poppy symbolizes peace. Honestly, I find this out of context and a reason for attention. We need to face the reality that when soldiers go to war there is bloodshed and by wearing this red poppy we abide by the truth. This particular change of thought reminds me much of the talk about changing our national anthem to “all of us command” replacing “all our sons” making it more gender-neutral. It’s thoughts like this that lead me to think that people do not consider more important issues around the world and think about petty arguments over Old English and covering up the truth.

All in all, Remembrance Day is a day that should be celebrated year round because there is not enough thank you’s that can be passed out to every soldier and their families for there help in serving for the country and the millions of people who can live in peace. Last but not least, LEST WE FORGET.