Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
‘Forgiveness’. Write a story in which forgiveness plays a central part.
Model Essay
In the small, close-knit town of Maplewood, everyone knew everyone else’s business. This familiarity could be both a blessing and a curse. For Emily Turner, it had always felt like the latter. Ten years ago, her older brother, Jason, had been involved in a tragic car accident that had claimed the life of their neighbor, Mr. Reynolds. The accident was ruled as Jason’s fault, and despite his remorse, the town’s perception of him—and by extension, Emily’s family—was irrevocably altered.
The Reynolds family had been pillars of the community, and their loss left a void that was felt by all. Mrs. Reynolds, in particular, couldn’t bring herself to look at the Turners, her grief mingling with an anger that simmered just beneath the surface. Emily, only a teenager at the time, had found herself ostracized by association, the shadow of her brother’s mistake looming large over her life.
Years passed, and Jason moved away, seeking a fresh start far from the accusing eyes of Maplewood. Emily stayed, though, determined to carve out a life for herself amidst the whispers and sidelong glances. She became a teacher at the local elementary school, finding solace in the innocence and joy of her young students. But the weight of her family’s history was never far from her mind.
One spring afternoon, as Emily was leaving school, she noticed a familiar figure standing by the playground fence. Mrs. Reynolds, now frail and gray, was watching the children play, her expression a mix of sorrow and longing. Emily hesitated, then gathered her courage and approached.
“Mrs. Reynolds,” she said softly. The older woman turned, her eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized Emily.
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“Hello, Emily,” Mrs. Reynolds replied, her voice devoid of warmth.
There was a moment of awkward silence, the unspoken history between them hanging heavy in the air. Emily took a deep breath. “I know it won’t change anything, but I wanted to say how sorry I am for what happened. Jason has never forgiven himself, and neither have I.”
Mrs. Reynolds’ eyes filled with tears, and for a moment, Emily feared she had made a terrible mistake. But then, the older woman sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly.
“I’ve spent years being angry,” Mrs. Reynolds said, her voice trembling. “Angry at Jason, angry at your family, angry at the world. But it hasn’t brought him back. And it hasn’t healed anything.”
Emily nodded, her own eyes welling with tears. “I understand. And I’m so, so sorry.”
Mrs. Reynolds reached out and took Emily’s hand, her grip surprisingly strong. “It’s time to let go of the anger. It’s time to forgive. Holding onto the past has only caused more pain.”
In that moment, a wave of relief washed over Emily. The burden of years of guilt and shame began to lift, replaced by a fragile, hopeful lightness. “Thank you,” she whispered, squeezing Mrs. Reynolds’ hand. “Thank you for your forgiveness.”
As they stood there, hand in hand, Emily realized that forgiveness wasn’t just about absolution. It was about healing, about finding a way to move forward despite the scars of the past. And in that simple act of forgiveness, both women found a measure of peace, the first step towards a future unburdened by the weight of old wounds.
Word Count: 546