Life is the most precious gift we receive from the moment we are born. At first glance, it seems to follow its own quiet course, but one day you begin to understand otherwise. Life is like a garden — it demands effort, attention, and constant care. It must be protected from countless weeds and hidden pests. Above all, it requires patience: the ability to wait for the results that are shaped slowly, over time. Arevik is such a gardener. But will her love for the garden be enough to nurture it patiently until it reaches its true purpose?
The morning was bright. Arevik reached the bus stop without trouble and was now in a light, uplifted mood, preparing to head to the university.
“How wonderful that the road from the stop to the university is so long…” she whispered.
As she lowered the hand that seemed to have just touched the sunbeams filtering through the trees, a narrow path leading into the park opened before her.
“This is my reality.”
Arevik quickened her pace, as if afraid someone might hear her, and continued on her way.
The fifteen-minute walk from the bus stop to the university passed through the park. These minutes were a rare part of the day — time Arevik devoted entirely to her thoughts and ideas. Perhaps she didn’t need to burden herself with them, but this walk existed precisely for such reflections.
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When Arevik entered the university, it felt as though the world would turn upside down. She studied as diligently as possible, believing that this was the key to her future. By nature, she was reserved — or rather, cautious. It seemed to her that if she loosened her vigilance even slightly, she might miss the opportunities meant for her.
That was why, when she saw groups of girls gathered together, she passed by them with apparent indifference. Though, in truth, it wasn’t entirely indifference.
“Another girl crying… as usual,” she thought. “What must happen for someone to cry like that? Is it worth falling in love if it brings so much pain?”
Such thoughts crossed her mind whenever she observed her classmates. Perhaps her heart wanted to be part of all this — especially when she saw others making plans for parties whose names and themes were so unfamiliar to her that it felt as though they were speaking about a different world altogether. But, assessing her own circumstances soberly, Arevik understood that studying was her only real option.
There were, of course, places of leisure even for people like her — academic circles, libraries, lecture halls. But, as experience shows, such places rarely attract many people, especially the young.
In truth, almost everything in Arevik’s life was ideal. A beloved university, no distractions, small essays and dissertations that brought her some extra money — enough to afford modest pleasures. The future seemed so bright that it gave her even more strength and energy to study well.
No matter how hard she worked, the inevitable year of graduation arrived — the moment when she was handed her diploma and, accompanied by inspiring words, sent off toward a bright future.
Arevik did not take long breaks. During the summer months, she rested only in name — helping her mother with work. She was even offered the chance to continue her studies in postgraduate school, but for some reason, she no longer wanted to study. She wanted to work, earn money, and build her own future.
Noble aspirations — she could hardly be blamed for them. She was young, full of hope and faith. Arevik prepared a standard résumé and decided to try her luck.
