English Story / Forgiveness / Harry Stuart

 Wasted moments are sins. I am cursed by each one that I have slung with casual indifference. Her smile broken by my temperament. My thoughtless disregard. Instead of being hollowed out by regret, the fear stirs and sinks its claws into what is left of me that feels.

I can’t see.

Backing out of the driveway, the light refracts. It is stunted by the heaviness of drifting clouds. I grip the steering wheel tighter, knowing I have no choice but the road ahead. The weakness of my brother-in-law. Summoning me to the hospital to be the one to render the final moment. I am lost, but I know the direction. It is splintered.

“The ambulance took her.”

“What happened? I thought she was holding her own.”

The breaking and cracking starts.

“She wasn’t making sense, talking but I couldn’t understand what she wanted…what she needed. She was agitated in a listless way. She couldn’t swallow her pills. The light, in her, was fading.”

A long pause and then he stumbles out the words, emotive and trembling, “I am scared.”

Searching. A rush of anxiety and dread. The first glimpse of an end.

“No, it can’t be. What did the paramedics say?”

He’s racked with denial. Spitting out truths but not hearing them.

“Her blood pressure had plummeted. Forty-four over twenty-four. I don’t know.”

And then there is the noise, guttural and low, followed by an unease of longing.

“I’m at the hospital now, Ann. You have to come. I can’t do this…”

“What can’t be done?”

I ask it, anticipating the answer. Sunk by the doom. I should have been prepared.

“She is gone, but still here. They have her propped up on a drip. It’s keeping her blood pressure elevated. She can’t sustain it on her own. She can’t talk. She moans and thrashes about some. Her eyes are open, but she can’t see.”

His tears fall in the silence. I don’t know it, but in that space is where I die.

I punch the accelerator.

The trees that line the highway fly past the car window like a moving picture screen. I concentrate on the blurred vision that looms in front of me. Panic. I can’t discern shape or form. In the few minutes I’ve been driving, reality has morphed into nothingness. I struggle to find the horizon. A balance, something familiar.

I have to get there.

I can feel the wetness on my cheek. It gains intensity. My body shakes. A release. A way to comprehend what is next.

Focus on breathing. Don’t jump from memory to memory. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Breathe out.

I remember the last time we spoke. Mere hours behind me.

“How are the kiddos?” she asked in between chewing.

Relief that she is eating. The cancer had stolen her appetite. It poked its way into every corner of living. Needling and robbing.

“They’re good. Playing now with their new puppies. You’ll have to come over soon to see them.”

My sister doesn’t like dogs, but she agrees. Her voice is airy and light. She sounds happy.

“What are you doing today?” I inquire.

“Trying to eat this Texas toast.”

I can hear the struggle. Everyday tasks in their enormity.

“Oh, you should eat. Probably best not to talk and swallow at the same time. We’ll talk more later. Okay?”

Another pause. The space between us diminishing.

“Yes, yes, you’re right. I’ll call you back in a little bit.”

We say our goodbyes and she doesn’t call back. And neither do I, because there is always tomorrow. The worst sin.

The accelerator is on the floor, trying to race past the pain. In the pursuit, my field of vision is lessening. It is collapsing on itself. The motion is stationary, everything smudged in disorder. If I can’t see what is in front of me, how can I be expected to continue?

With a sharp jerk, I pull the car into the strip mall parking lot. It is early morning. The sun finding a resting spot in the earth’s revolution. I don’t have time. I have to make this right.

“Please,” I implore to the gods, to anyone who will listen.

I call the only person who has the weight and resolve to be my anchor.

“Wayne, I’m stuck. I can’t do this…I’m not strong enough for this moment.”

“Hold on, deep breath, hold on. Do you want me to come? I’ll bring the girls and we’ll go with you.”

“No, no…we talked about it. I don’t want them to be subjected to it.”

The pristine white of the hospital walls. The glare of death in its anti-septic smell.

“Where are you? Are you okay?”

“I pulled into a parking lot. I can’t see. I literally cannot see.”

The fissure is complete, the perfection of life imperfect.

“You are stronger than you know. Stay there until you can summon your calm. You got this, my dear. She needs you. Your sis needs you.”

She has always needed me. To protect her. To make her laugh. To validate her strengths in the grip of inadequacy. What is skipped, or missed entirely, is how much I need her.

In that gentle realization, the light bends. Suddenly, there is a crispness to the colors, the way the green of the leaves effuses an immortality. The cycle will not cease.

“I will be there for her,” a whisper of acceptance.

I set my cell phone in the passenger seat. I wipe the dampness from my chin. The tear streaked path of resolution.

The span of minutes leaving my house to this nondescript parking spot, I understand I will not be the same. A finality to a shared history. A divide from everything known.

I let my forehead rest in the palm of my right hand. The rocking brings the cadence to normalcy, a quiet breathing. Courage gathered. Clarity to details. The buildings, signs, and traffic light in the distance are blunted into sharpness.

I resume the fated journey.

Easing back onto the asphalt, I cannot know that the pain will be exacting and crushing. An all-encompassing tidal wave of brokenness. I drive toward it with conviction, defiance and peace.

“Where you go, Michelle, I will be with you.”

I don’t see it as much as I hear it. The crunch of metal. There is a feeling of being airborne before the lights extinguish. Suspended between a wakefulness of contrition and remorse. An epiphany interrupted. A new life forward.

 Dedication

To those moments
that were never completed,
yet changed the direction of life.

To those smiles
that quietly stood by,
hiding the pain beneath them.

To those paths
we walked together,
yet led us to different destinations.

To those memories
that time did not erase,
but only made deeper.

And to that paused feeling
that somewhere within,
still breathes.

A Note to the Reader

This story is not told in a loud voice.
It is made of those things
that often remain unspoken within.

Do not read it in haste.
Let a few moments pause,
for every paused moment
has something to say.

The Wisdom of the First Coin: Why Schools Must Teach the Art of Money

 In every age, societies have sought to prepare their young for the challenges of adulthood. Education has traditionally focused on reading, writing, science, mathematics, and history—subjects that shape intellect and culture. Yet, in the rapidly changing economic world of the twenty-first century, there is one subject whose absence in the classroom is increasingly felt: the understanding of money. The ability to manage money wisely is not merely a practical skill; it is a life skill that determines security, dignity, and independence. For this reason, a subject on money investment and savings should be introduced in schools from the eighth class onward so that students may learn the importance of financial management at an early stage.

Money has become one of the central pillars of modern life. Every decision—education, healthcare, housing, travel, and even personal aspirations—is connected, directly or indirectly, with financial resources. Families work tirelessly to earn and save, governments design policies around financial growth, and individuals plan their futures based on financial stability. Yet it is ironic that while money affects almost every aspect of life, formal education rarely teaches young people how to handle it responsibly. Students graduate with degrees in various fields but often enter adulthood without even the basic knowledge of saving, budgeting, or investing.

Introducing financial education at the school level can fill this significant gap. By the time a child reaches the eighth class, he or she begins to develop an understanding of society and personal responsibility. At this stage, the mind is curious and receptive. Teaching the fundamentals of money management during these formative years can help students build healthy financial habits that remain with them throughout their lives.

One of the most important lessons such a subject could teach is the value of money itself. Many children grow up seeing money simply as a means of buying things. They may observe their parents spending or saving, but they rarely understand the effort behind earning it. When students learn how income is generated, how expenses accumulate, and how savings grow over time, they begin to appreciate the true value of every rupee. This awareness often cultivates responsibility and discourages careless spending.

Another key component of financial education is budgeting. Budgeting is essentially the art of balancing income and expenses. It teaches individuals how to prioritize their needs and control their desires. When students learn to create a simple budget—even with small amounts of pocket money—they begin to understand the importance of planning. They learn that every purchase has consequences and that thoughtful decisions can prevent financial stress later in life.

Savings form the backbone of financial security. In traditional societies, the concept of saving has always been respected. Elders often advised younger generations to “save for a rainy day.” However, modern consumer culture encourages instant gratification. Advertising constantly promotes spending, making it difficult for young people to resist unnecessary purchases. Teaching students about the importance of savings can counterbalance this influence.

When young learners understand how even small amounts saved regularly can grow into significant sums over time, they develop patience and foresight. The principle of compound growth—where savings increase not only through deposits but also through accumulated interest—can be an eye-opening lesson for students. Such knowledge encourages disciplined habits that protect individuals from financial hardship in the future.

Investment is another crucial concept that deserves attention in school education. While saving preserves money, investing allows it to grow. Many adults struggle with investments simply because they were never taught the basics. They may fear financial markets or fall victim to unreliable schemes promising unrealistic returns.

By introducing the idea of investment early—through simple examples such as bank deposits, government savings schemes, or mutual funds—students can learn how money can work for them over time. The aim would not be to turn schoolchildren into financial traders but to build awareness about safe and responsible ways to grow wealth. Understanding the difference between risk and security, long-term and short-term investment, and genuine opportunities versus fraudulent offers can protect young citizens from financial mistakes.

Financial literacy also promotes independence. A young adult who understands money management is less likely to fall into debt traps. Credit cards, loans, and digital payment systems have made spending easier than ever before. While these tools can be useful, they can also lead to reckless borrowing if used without understanding. Teaching students about responsible borrowing and the consequences of debt can prevent many financial crises.

In addition, financial education supports entrepreneurship. Many young people dream of starting their own businesses, but lack the knowledge of financial planning. Learning basic accounting, cost calculation, profit analysis, and investment strategies can inspire students to think creatively about economic opportunities. Such education can nurture a generation that not only seeks jobs but also creates them.

Another benefit of teaching money management in schools is the promotion of social equality. Financial ignorance often affects people from disadvantaged backgrounds more severely. Without knowledge of savings and investments, families may remain trapped in cycles of poverty. When schools provide financial education to all students, regardless of their economic background, they empower every child with tools for economic progress.

Moreover, the digital revolution has transformed the way money is handled. Online banking, mobile payments, digital wallets, and electronic investments are now part of everyday life. While these technologies offer convenience, they also demand awareness and caution. Students must understand concepts such as digital security, fraud prevention, and responsible online transactions. A structured subject on financial literacy can prepare them for this modern financial environment.

Some critics may argue that the school curriculum is already overloaded and that adding another subject would increase pressure on students. However, financial education need not be complex or burdensome. It can be taught in practical and engaging ways. Real-life examples, small projects, simulations of budgeting, and discussions about everyday financial decisions can make the subject interesting and useful rather than stressful.

Teachers can encourage students to maintain simple savings diaries or participate in classroom activities that demonstrate how money grows through saving and investment. Schools could even collaborate with banks or financial institutions to provide educational workshops. Such initiatives would transform financial literacy from a theoretical subject into a living experience.

Parents would also benefit indirectly from such education. When children learn about saving and budgeting, they often discuss these ideas at home. These conversations can influence family habits and encourage more thoughtful financial behavior. In this way, the lessons learned in classrooms can spread throughout society.

Furthermore, financial literacy contributes to national economic stability. A population that understands money management is more likely to save and invest responsibly. Increased savings strengthen financial institutions and contribute to economic growth. Educated investors are less vulnerable to fraud, which reduces financial losses and strengthens trust in economic systems.

The psychological benefits of financial awareness are equally important. Financial stress is one of the major causes of anxiety in modern life. People who lack financial planning often face uncertainty about the future. By learning money management early, individuals can approach adulthood with confidence rather than fear. They understand how to plan for education, emergencies, retirement, and other life goals.

In many countries, financial literacy programs are already becoming part of school education. Governments and educational institutions recognize that economic awareness is as essential as academic knowledge. By adopting similar initiatives, schools can prepare students for the realities of modern life.

The subject could be structured progressively from the eighth class onward. In the early stages, students might learn about the basic concept of money, income, expenses, and savings. Later classes could introduce more advanced topics such as investments, banking systems, taxation, and digital finance. By the time students complete their schooling, they would possess a clear understanding of financial responsibility.

Importantly, the goal of such education is not merely to accumulate wealth. Rather, it is to cultivate wisdom in financial decisions. Money, when managed wisely, becomes a tool for stability, generosity, and opportunity. When mismanaged, it can lead to stress and hardship. Teaching students the ethical and responsible use of money can shape not only prosperous individuals but also conscientious citizens.

Financial education also encourages long-term thinking. Young people often focus on immediate desires, which is natural at their age. However, understanding the benefits of long-term savings and investment teaches them patience and discipline. These qualities are valuable not only in financial matters but also in every aspect of life.

Schools have always been the foundation where society plants the seeds of future values. Just as students learn the importance of health through physical education and the importance of knowledge through academic study, they must also learn the importance of financial responsibility. The classroom is the ideal place to introduce these lessons because it provides guidance, structure, and reliable information.

The world today is full of financial choices and temptations. Without proper guidance, young people may fall into the traps of impulsive spending, unnecessary loans, or deceptive schemes. Education can serve as a protective shield. When students understand how money works, they become capable of making thoughtful and informed decisions.

Ultimately, the teaching of money management is about preparing the next generation for real life. Education should not only fill minds with facts but also equip individuals with practical wisdom. Knowing how to earn, save, invest, and spend responsibly is one of the most valuable forms of wisdom a person can possess.

If schools begin to teach financial literacy from the eighth class onward, they will be planting seeds that will bear fruit for decades. Students will grow into adults who respect the value of money, plan their futures wisely, and contribute to the economic strength of their families and their nation.

In the journey of life, the first coin a child learns to save may appear small and insignificant. Yet within that humble coin lies a powerful lesson: the understanding that every financial decision shapes the path ahead. When schools teach the art of managing money, they are not merely teaching about currency—they are teaching about responsibility, foresight, and the architecture of a secure future.

And perhaps that is the greatest investment a society can make: educating its young not only to earn money, but to understand it, respect it, and use it wisely.