It was winter. The whole family was sitting by the fireside. Everyone was talking about the future and sharing their achievements. All of Ali’s cousins were being praised for doing well in school. But when Ali entered the room, the smiles faded.

Everyone began taunting him for getting low marks. He wished he hadn’t come. His sister was being given a party and a new laptop for her results, while he was only being criticised.

Ali stayed silent. He didn’t know what to say. His father ignored him and joked, “If Ali ever studies, I’ll be shocked!”

Those words hurt deeply. Still, Ali tried to stay calm and said softly, “I will study, baba.” But his........

© Dawn Young Magazine