The scholarship allowed Jamie-Lee to attend a private school and dream of a better future. Her uniform helped her blend in and although she kept to herself, inviting no one to see the hovel that was her home, they could tell she was different anyway.

Back home she was ridiculed for attending a “posh” school. She belonged to neither world and the loneliness and effort to find her place proved too much.

Few people came to the funeral; fewer still shed tears. “Every chance” and “wasted potential ” were murmured with bitterness. It was hard to understand someone like Jamie-Lee.

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Linda Rock
Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
1 year ago

A sad, thought provoking story Mary. I always enjoy reading your stories of the less fortunate. You have a real talent for bringing their stories to life without the need for sentimentality, They remind me of Jimmy McGovern’s style of writing, of which I’m a huge fan.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
1 year ago

It was a very sad story, Mary. But you manage to bring it more enjoyable to read. Well-written.

Lotchie Carmelo
Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
Reply to  Mary Wallace
1 year ago

You’re welcome.

Marianna Pieterse
Marianna Pieterse(@marianna-pieterse)
1 year ago

Mary, this was such a sad story with a tragic ending. It must be terrible to feel like you don’t fit in anywhere. This really is thought-provoking.

Carrie OLeary
Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
1 year ago

It’s so difficult to be a child who doesn’t fit in. I can empathise with your poor protagonist. Sadly, this is a far more common occurrence than it should be.

Christer Norrlof
Christer Norrlof(@christer-norrlof)
1 year ago

My Colombian wife has a daughter who always was the best student in school. They were poor, but thanks to scholarships she has managed to get a university degree and even a master’s degree. Right now, she is about to go to the US to study for a doctor’s degree, which she can do thanks to her intelligence and yet another scholarship. Like your protagonist, she has been an outsider, being surrounded… Read more »

Daisy Blacklock
Daisy Blacklock(@daisy-blacklock)
1 year ago

This story is so sad. It was a sad ending, but I think you finished it off really well. You do a great job of writing about the hardest of issues to deal with. This is another thoughtful story, well done.

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