Foreword
This series of articles, on the travails and torments of required writing for school term papers, thesis or dissertation, are purposely taken in the point of view of the student in the graduating or senior years. Hopefully, they reveal how much anguish and agony he goes through in every phase of the activity he is obliged to present, even to defend in front of a panel of peers, prior to receiving his much toiled-for diploma.

Previously
The graduating student underwent a refreshing and invigorating self-reexamination of his own emotions towards the woman he is very much infatuated with. He woke over-exhilarated and decided to dress up and go out without any particular destination in mind.
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The several minutes inside the church worked wonders to calm the excitement I felt upon waking to a wondrous day. Meditation has been the most personal and spiritual ritual I periodically practice to give me focus, and the place provided conducive ambiance. As I stepped outside the house of prayer, the dazzling sunlight bathed my body with intense yet becalming warmth. Before I could be drawn to the twilight zone, I decided to go downtown to have lunch, even also see a movie. In the evening, I definitely planned to return to my friend's house, hoping to gaze once again on her whose almond eyes become impish slits when laughing. to me the most fitting finale to a most perfect day.

Turning towards the main road where public transportation is available, I am halted by a reverberating shriek calling my name, from the 9-year old brother of hers. He reminds me of myself, initially withdrawn at first, a bottomless well of questions when already familiarized; I bet he is going to be an information specialist himself when he grows up. Around his neck is his sister's arm, an ounce of prevention perhaps - so energetic and confidently active is he. Their parents are walking hand-in-hand behind them: the mother still stunning enough to pass as an elder sister, and the father looking so dignified in grey suit with multi-colored tie.

It was really my acute sense of observation that swiftly noticed these family members, and recognized them with computer-like accuracy. Actually, my sight caught solely the image of her who has been on my heart and mind ever since we met, because all the rays of the radiant sun seemed to converge on her. My breathing ceased and I became transfixed until this confluence of light reached my side. Beyond the luminance, a smile came through and above the pounding in my breast, I heard this apparition vocalize: Hello.

The father very considerately pulled the boy back and put an arm around its neck. Many points of interest line up the pathway we are on, and with the able participation of the mother, they were engrossed in animated discussion. This slowed their walk enough to let me and my object of affection engage in a banter of our own.

She would consider it an honor if I could have lunch with them.

For me, it would be heavenly bliss!


Next: the eighteenth stride pit start