Sophie's Spring

By Mohit Kumar

 The desires of a woman, often displaying myriad emotions in a season of new leaves and tidings. The rumblings and conflicts that a young woman faces in her life, managing complex relationships is the fulcrum of this literary piece.

[Narrator] : A youthful balmy evening had just set in the countryside with leaves spattering about and the jolly wind tendering to the wilderness around the landscape. It was the end of spring and a young woman was reading a book titled  ‘Wings of Freedom’. Let’s dive into her quaint evening as she goes on a path of self-discovery.

She was always the girl next door with her blue eyes as she talked about her life to acquaintances that seem to crop up just like the random sting concert in the local daily. In every way, she was living a wonderful life, having lots of new experiences and enjoying the little moments that passed by on the beaten path. One of her new experiences took her to a sorority party where one of her mates gestured  

“Hey, Why don't you read an exciting book, Spohie ? ”  It's way more interesting than this boorish party. “ 

She remarked, “Well, I don't read books. I read people. “

Her friend responded “This is beyond just a normal story, its meant to open your mind to new horizons and experiences. “

Sophie replied gently “Is it philosophy or romance ? “

Her friend replied intently “It’s for artists who are looking to find their identity. “

“Fantastic” replied Sophie in her childlike voice filled with innocence. Her gentle smile seemed to foreshadow the madness she had towards life and a will to challenge her own destiny.

“The name of the book is ‘Wings of Freedom. “ her young friend said, patting her hand excitedly.

“Sure, I will give it a read in the spring. “ Sophie thundered in a quick response to the name.

  Sophie was the special one as She was the only child to a family of storytellers. Her family lived mostly near the countryside, however, they also had interests in the metropolitan  areas owing to their steep economic interests. On a misty morning in the fall season, she was born and her parents who had just watched a play about the qualities of wisdom and penance. Hence, it was no surprise that they named her ‘Sophie’. She was the ever bustling queen of her house and she was loved and adored by folks and friends alike. An encounter in school encapsulates what she meant to the people that admired her daily.

“Do you know how pigmented leaves appear in the fall”, Ms Morrison enquired

Ms. Morrison was the main faculty in environmental studies.

“It appears slightly sullen as if the wind itself stole its vibrance’, Sophie responded with a twinkle in her eyelids.

A surprised Ms. Morrison gleefully asked “How did you come to the conclusion”

“The words appear to magically come to me like a prose’s syllable”, Sophie answered in her gentle voice.

“Wow, you should be in Prose writing class, you should not be counting leaves”, Ms. Morrison answered.

“Every creation is often derived from logic and established doctrines”, Sophie deduced.

Sophie went to embark on a journey towards living the life of her dreams by engaging with her love for prose writing. She was assisted and facilitated by Ms. Morrison who gave her access to resources to expand on her talents and brings finesse in her words.

On a youthful balmy evening in April in a greenfields, Sophie sat around with her eyelids tied towards the book that was implored by her friend titled ‘Wings of Freedom’. She liked to read a book once a month in the green fields as it helped her soak  in the atmosphere and plan her next escapades and experiences.  ‘Wings of Freedom’ had  engrossed her with its witty storytelling, western humour and dark characters. The evening wore on as her spirited face had given way to an ashen impression and as she looked up, the sky had turned dark and there were angry clouds and vigorous lightning across the jilted sky. As she glanced further into the narrative of the story, strange thoughts crossed her senile mind, she looked back at strange experiences that she had when it was slightly challenging to cope up with life. Sophie decided to retreat back into the world of sanity and put the story to rest. The sky changed colour as soon as she closed the book with the angry clouds turning happy again and the jilted clouds had become exalted with vigour and intensity.

She continued her search for the calmness within that eluded her for so long, despite the obvious love and affection she got from her fans and admirers alike. She met a girl in her 20’s who was bright like starlight and had a will to live like the bunny who had just found the thick forests. She had that girly charm about her, yet looked confused as if worried about her own sagacity. Sophie couldn't remember her name exactly but since she met her in summer, she was called as Jenny. 

“Hey, do you come here often ?” Sophie quipped to that girl.

“Nay, I just seem to enjoy being alone.” Jenny answered.

“You don't seem to be the person who likes being alone.” Sophie observed looking at the girl.

“Well, stop talking to me like my sister, I am in no mood to be jovial. “ Jenny retorted.

“Do you like hanging out ? “. Sophie enquired.

“No, I prefer being in solitude”. Jenny screamed with a gentle murmur.

“I would love to see you again at a club.” Sophie held her hand with glee

Surprised, Jenny answered with a pale “Okay”.

A few days later, she again sat in a countryside park to read the ‘Wings of Freedom’ in the fading lamp with only the presence of moonlight illuminating her face. The book continued to intrigue her as it was about a young girl’s incredible journey to find herself and fly to her deepest desire. She then wondered about her own story and ruminated deeply when she was having these same doubts that Jenny felt about herself. She murmured to herself :

All the doubts that have taken  shape ;

In a space that I called like  my own.

A maze that i have created is my own doing ;

As I reflect upon it, I can see my foggy experiences.

It's true the words i said, the words i reflect ;

Have led me to the path of ruin.

Worry not, my imaginary friend ;

I shall see you in the darkness.

The moonlight is my friend in the lonely city of dreams ;

I shall find my soul in the imaginary path of reflection.

Sophie slept soundly that night with her aura transcending deep into her feelings of purity towards her life and a piece of art. The next morning, she was just lazing around in the bedroom when a flash of the sun’s rays seemed to gleam on her face as if the scorching sun was a reflection of her gleaming sense of creation and  identity. It was pulsating heat that had gripped thes suburbs and it was beginning to affect the usual calm around Sophie's mind. She was often yelling to her friends, “Hey, you can't talk to me like that” or she would say “You better not bake my mind like a pancake”. One of her school friends who often came to her house couldn't handle it anymore and enquired  “What's wrong with you Soph, you don't seem yourself since last week”. She answered “Hey, it's nothing, I am just feeling the heat and unable to have clarity of thoughts”. “Okay, just give it time, iot will be alright in a few days”. Sophie nodded with glee and gave some lemonade to her friend and mentioned “drink it up girl, you will feel better.

It was friday and Sophie was bustling with energy as she had to attend a funky event in the evening. Sophie was excited for the event as it was happening for the first time in the city, Somerwilde, it was a crazy event where she was going to perform her poetry for the first time. People were swarming up from all walks of life to attend an evening of fun, frolic and fantasy. Sophie was excited as the girl she met about 3 weeks was expected to come, although she didn't confirm or refuse. She started getting ready for the event at around 4 in the evening and was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the build up to the event.She decided to be a bit sober for the event at the city hall. She wore only light makeup with a beaming smile on her moist face. She wore  a light greenish brown gown with white stilettos perfectly complementing her outfit for the evening as well as giving minimalist vibes from her appearance. It was finally time to reach the venue for the event. She drove a dune buggy to commute to the event as it was convenient to reach there in a short period of time. When she reached the venue, a large number of people had already gathered there eager to welcome Sophie. She had gotten used to the attention she was getting from fans and admirers alike. All the bright lights were focus on her face and the modest dress she was wearing, however, Sophie was focussed on finding that girl who she called for at the event.

Sophie finally got  a glimpse of that girl she was eager to meet for her special night. Jenny walked up to her and shared a glance, she whispered  into her ear “I really liked your outfit tonight and my name is Jenny. Sorry, I can't say my name in public as I feel intimidated.” Sophie, shocked at her audacity, smiled and told her “Hey Jenny, I am glad you came tonight and I really believe in you.” Sophie then was called on stage to deliver the introduction and present her performance.

She stood on the stage like an innocent daisy about to spread the message of love through her bead-like lips. She panted and muffled softly “I can't do this, my fans.”  “I definitely can't do this.”. The crowd grew impatient and yelled ‘Sophie, Sophie, Sophie’ and they chanted on till a fan ventured to ask “What’s up Sophie ?” Even Jenny was a bit anxious to see Sophie stuttering on the stage. Sophie then spoke amongst the cacophony “I have to tell you something about Spring”. The crowd gasped and waited with bated breath and there was a nightly silence. 

The spring had its ways around me ;

The spring missed its days without me.

The spring messed with my end aplenty ;

The spring cant take away my destiny ;

The destiny of sharing my love with purity.

The destiny of caring for the ones i love with temerity ;

The destiny of sharing my love with purity.

The crowd woke up  into a thunderous applause as she uttered those wonderful words with great elegance and started shouting for Sophie to start her performance. A raucous  crowd was enamoured by her performance as Sophie stood and recited the words that has defined her poise and alacrity with timing. She was herself in a trance as she uttered those beautiful lines, punctuated by a poise and dignity that won the hearts of her admirers and fans alike. The crowd had already lost its voice and started yawping at the top of their lungs and there was commotion all around. A few minutes later, they started blurping ‘Sophie, you were terrific’. ‘Sophie, you are truly a rockstar’. Even  Jenny couldn’t restrain herself and let out a shrill cry “Sophie, you were amazing”. Finally, the excitement went down from a crescendo and the crowd started to disperse from the city hall.

After the event ended, Sophie and Jenny had a little conversation which was quite intriguing. Jenny came up to her and congratulated for a wonderful ode to spring and dreams.

“Hey, Congrats on such an amazing performance ?” Jenny told her in elation

“Yay, I am glad you enjoyed my performance.” Sophie responded

“You have really inspired me tonight .” Jenny smiled  looking at her.

“Girl, stop with the flattery. I was just being myself out there. “ Sophie reminded her

“Do you like going for a walk ? “. Sophie quipped.

“Yeah, I like to be with nature and positive company”. Jenny answered with a glee

“Let's meet tomorrow at the countryside park.” Sophie held her hand with glee

 Jenny answered with glee,  “Sure.”

They met at the spot Sophie had suggested and talked for hours regarding life and how the spring was for both of them. They also reminisced about past experiences and looked forward to the summer going forward. Later on, they gave a tight hug to each other as a symbol of their shining friendship in the glory of the crescent moon.

It was a spring to remember for Sophie as she truly found herself amongst all the turbulent times and tumultuous experiences. She managed to give a resounding performance with a message that appealed to her fans. Sophie also managed to turn a shy, snobbish girl to an accepting person who was ready to make friends and shed her inhibitions which for long had  stopped from being a true spirit. She truly embodied the spirit of spring where new flowers and leaves come in after the dark times of the fall season. Ain't it wonderful to be in Sophie’s spring ?

By Mohit Kumar