Short Story: Laughter and Tears

Hey everyone! A few days ago I wrote a story, this time too, in response to a topic in an AS level English Language paper. Although the topic asked for a 'descriptive piece', what I wrote is more of a story (despite not following a proper story structure!) than a descriptive writing. Nevertheless, it is better than some of the other stuff that I wrote lately, so I'm posting it here. I would really look forward to any feedback and constructive criticism on it.

Write a descriptive piece called Laughter and Tears. In your writing, create a sense of contrasting moods to help your reader imagine the scene.

It was a hot afternoon and they were playing hide-and-seek in the house. This time she was “it”, and as she counted to hundred, they rushed into their hiding places, giggling and whispering. The innocent young girl, unaware of what life held in store for her, laughed as she rushed from room to room, spotting each one of her friends.

She had been running down the stairs when she slipped. She managed to grab the railing just in time, which saved her from tumbling down the stairs. But she had already scraped a knee! Being in much pain, her eyes started to well up and she called for her mother. As her mother cleaned up her bleeding wound, they all stood around, worried and confused, having never seen so much blood before.

They were much older now, and had gathered at her house to study for a test. But their books lay forgotten as they chattered, cracked jokes and laughed. She left the room, promising to bring back a snack and tip-toed to the kitchen, for it was past midnight. Five minutes later she returned, eyes sparkling with delight and a big bowl of popcorn in her hands.

Two weeks later, they got back their test papers which were marked and graded with red. What? A flurry of emotions went through her mind – disbelief, indignation, and then sorrow. She did not realize when she had started crying but as she lifted her hands to cover her face, she found that it was streaked with tears. It was the first time that she had ever failed a test.

They wanted to cheer her up, and pizza seemed like the best way to do it. And when she entered the restaurant, surrounded by all her friends and inhaling the heady aroma of melting cheese, she had forgotten all about her result. They were a group of friends once again, laughing and talking happily.

It was the middle of the night and her stomach was hurting severely. She had a hunch that it had something to do with the pizza. Despite taking medicines and painkillers, the pain only seemed to be getting worse. When she finally vomited, she felt a sense of relief. Yet, she felt that something was still not right.

The school term was over now, and they were having the end-of-year school party. The classroom was decorated with balloons and streamers, and at the back a table filled with party food awaited the children. They entered the classroom, laughing and singing gleefully, delighted that the school year had finally ended. As they played games and indulged themselves with food, they felt that they had never been happier.

She didn’t seem to be enjoying the party as much as all of them, though. While they all filled themselves with cakes and pastries, she hardly ate a thing. Her eyes, which were usually sparkling with happiness when she was with them, were stark and gloomy today. She appeared to be hiding a deep, dark secret.

The summer vacations had begun and they had all gathered in their neighbourhood park. Once again they were their old selves, chattering, cracking jokes and chuckling.

When she told it to them, they could not believe their ears. No! It couldn’t be.  She was perfectly fine, just like the rest of them. She couldn’t have… cancer. The rest of the evening was just a blurry haze of tears.

The day before her chemotherapy started, she got a haircut. Her beautiful brown mane was chopped down to a short bob-cut. They laughed when they saw her new haircut and she – although secretly disappointed – couldn’t help laughing with them.

Her first session of chemo was over, and they were coming to visit. She was brushing her hair, getting ready to welcome them, when a chunk of hair fell out into her hands. She stared at it in horror, and then burst into tears.

After four sessions of chemotherapy, her cancer was gone. Relieved, they had decided to celebrate. They had brought all her favourite foods and were talking happily. Although thinner than ever before, and eyes no longer as bright as they once used to be, she looked contented as she talked to them.

They had just had a normal dinner and were going about their routine when she threw up. Sensing that something was not right, her parents rushed her to the hospital. Their greatest fear was confirmed. The cancer had returned.

It was her birthday today. Her health was worse than ever now, but they had decided to surprise her with a visit. With a homemade cake and party poppers, they celebrated what little of life was left in her. Her eyes flickered with happiness when she looked at them and she laughed at the jokes they tried to crack. They stayed there and talked to her until she fell asleep.

It was the last birthday of her life. The next day, she opened her eyes briefly, looked around at them, then closed them again – this time forever. There was no more laughter now, only tears and more tears.